Progress on my PLN

It took me to do some good research to really find out what a PLN is. I actually found the “Networked Student” video when I was researching it before I knew it was an assignment. A big tool that is helping me a bunch with my PLN is Delicious. Anytime that I come across a website that I find useful and helpful to me as a teacher, I have been bookmarking it to my Delicious. I am now finding other people who have saved the same website to their Delicious account and I am researching their websites. I have found some really helpful sites by viewing other people’s bookmarks. I have used Skype to stay connected with my classmates as well. I have been exploring with Twitter, Diigo, and google docs. If I only had all the time in the world I could sit and research a bunch of information. I enjoy doing my blog assignments for this class as well because that also helps me to broaden my PLN. I know the more and more that I explore and comment, I will meet even more people and find even more helpful sites. Creating and expanding my PLN is fun, but like I said, it takes time.

Toward a New Future of Whatever- Michael Wesch

What a great video. Mr. Wesch first started his presentation off by talking about how society amuses themselves to death. He talked about his 200-400 students that he has and showed a picture of his class and compared it to a picture of the American Idol Auditions. He explains that people seem to have no sense of significance. This is true. People seem to feel as though they need to make themselves feel important or significant in order to amuse themselves and be positive about themselves. I see his comparison. I know when I was in college, students didn’t seem engaged and sat in a class just like his and followed along as the instructor spoke; knowing that was the right thing to do. Students are now able to walk and access the Internet at a touch of a button. Mr. Wesch continues to talk about the definition of the word “Whatever”. He explained that before the 1960s “Whatever” meant “That’s what I meant.” In the late 60s, the definition changed to “I don’t care, Whatever.” In the MTV generation he showed an example of the Simpsons and “Meh”. I remember a few of those changes, but this really made me think. People have become self-centered and don’t know how to know themselves.

In my life, I know I say “Whatever” at times. I have tried to sit and think of exactly what I meant by saying it. Mr. Wesch goes on to discuss uTube. Everyday there are over 1,000,000,000 videos uploaded on the Internet. That in itself is a hard fact to grasp. 99.9% of those videos are irrelevant to us. One of the most recent videos that we are all aware of is the “Charley Bit Me” video. People have recreated this video and it has gotten a lot of views. Why is this relevant to us? It’s not. We as humans have come to use this medium, uTube, to communicate to the world. Mr. Wesch’s students made good points when they created their own videos about how they are conscience about how they look before they record themselves, but in reality they are only talking to a camera on a computer. It is too easy to reach the world by using uTube. You may only be talking to a computer, but anyone in the world can view your video. Mr. Wesch had an example of MAD V who is the person that created a very responsive video by writing messages on people’s hand. This was the first actually that I had seen of this. I personally do not stay current with uTube videos.

Every once in a while a friend may show me a uTube video that is funny or something I may like, but I am probably one of the few that don’t keep up with uTube. Watching this video made me realized just how many people upload videos and watch videos each day. Just think about the future. If there are over a million videos uploaded daily now, just think. As a future educator, we as teachers will see many more advancements. I think we will see more than we know. It is an exciting thing if you think about it, but also scary in a way. I know that when I was taking my undergraduate classes at South, we would sit in our classroom and listen to lectures. I am sure some classes are still that way. I took EDM 310 when I was in college. I remember that we would meet in a computer lab and have certain topics to comment about. Now that I am taking this class to renew my teachers certificate I see how much things have changed in five years. This class is now very engaging and has helped me learn a lot!

The Networked Student by Wendy Drexler

I really liked this assignment. When I was researching websites and looking at blogs for my PLN, I found this video. I actually emailed Dr. Strange about this video and told him to take a look at it as I thought he would enjoy it. This was obviously before I had looked at our assignments for this weeks posts. I watched this video a couple of times. The student that created this did a very good job. I first watched this when I was trying to better understand about a PLN. The thought of students creating PLNs in the future really is exciting to think about.

When asked the question, "Why does the networked student even need a teacher?" I then watched this video again. Really, this video sums up the class we are taking right now. EDM310 with Dr. Strange includes all of the networks and technologies that this video explained. When I think of this question, I think of Dr. Strange. Why do we as a class need Dr. Strange? Well, he is here for guidance, he helps us learn how to use all of these new technologies, he models them, and he is our connected learning core. Without our teacher, we would not know about these new technologies or how to use them. I know that I have emailed Dr. Strange and spoke with him a few times about not only assignments but about how to use these programs. If it weren’t for our teacher, we would not know the direction to take. We would have to learn these things and explore them on our own.

Am I ready to be the teacher of a networked student? I am on the verge of starting to learn to be ready. This class in itself is a great starting point. I am not ready right now to take on a bunch of networked students. With all of the new ideas and programs that we are being opened to we all will one day come to a class that is far more advanced than they ever have been. We as educators need to learn with them. Just as Dr. Strange gave us the Comments4Teachers assignment, and he even stated that this is his first year trying this assignment with his students. We need to give him the good and rough points about this assignment. He is learning right along with us. I really would like to follow up with Ms. Drexler and see how this assignment went with her students in the fall. I am sure they will do great and that in the process they will learn a lot.

Richard Miller: This Is How We Dream Parts 1 and 2

Richard Miller’s videos really summed up the change that is present in our generation. In Part 1 of Mr. Miller’s presentation, he talks about the greatest change of human history. He started with explaining that writing used to be a solitary activity that ended with a book that joined the other books in the library. Now those books are out of print and found on Amazon for 59 cents. He talked about how our workspace has changed from pencil and paper to our desktop. He did a project and was able to quickly find anything he needed on the web. It was in minutes he found the needed information. This is an incremental change, not a fundamental change. We are all sharing knowledge forever.; our thoughts, new ideas, and resources. During the election, people could go to the Washington Post and find out the progress and votes at a click of a button. Mr. Miller’s points are real. They are exact.

Part 2 of his presentation started off by stating that all of the new material added each day to the web changes instantly. New ideas and facts are created with the information already posted. Mr. Miller mentions Jonathan Harris and his work. He also explains iTunes U and how the academic lectures benefit students. These ideas belong to our culture. In our generation, when we find information on the web, we cannot only use it to create new ideas and learn, but we can also get behind it and see how it is used. We have yet to create the availability that we need to share and educate everyone, but Mr. Miller believes that that time will come. He continues and emphasizes that we need inspiring teachers and newly shared pedagogies. This is not only about the new technologies, but it is about what these new technologies allow.

Mr. Miller’s presentation was well planned and had a lot of great points. There are many new technologies in our generation. I think there are so many people in the world that do not even know what is available to them. Just as he stated, we as educators should use these advancements to better our learning and teaching methods. We can start by seeing what is there and then creating our own ideas and blogs. Mr. Miller said he created a document in uTube and within three months, there were over 9,000 views. People had posted his document in their own blogs. This then changed his travels and daily plans. I know that since I have started this class, I never knew the possibilities of the computer. I think it’s great that I have a blog now and we are leaving our URL’s and emails when we research our assignments. Every time we leave a comment on someone’s blog, we are giving our own thoughts and ideas about things. This then may be a starting point for other ideas around the world. We can take what we learn and share it with others and our students. As Mr. Miller said, “This change is HUGE.”

Comments4Kids Week 7

This week I viewed a blog from Hackham East Schools in Adelaide, South Australia. This class is of boys and this is their second year as bloggers. I commented on a post entitled "Fruit Friday". This post stated that the students bring different fruits each Friday. They have a student cut the fruit and then they eat it. This is not only a healthy activity, but fun. I commented on their blog post and told them that I could try this with my students. I think it would be a nice treat!!

Comments4Kids Week 6

This week I was assigned to a blog from Pt England School. The first post I was to comment on was not working so I commented on the previous blog post. This post was a picture of the new set of students that are now in charge of the blog for this year. These students will be posting assignments, videos, and pictures of their class' activities. I posted a comment and told them to keep up the good work!!

Dr. Scott McLeod

After reading Mr. McLeod’s most recent comment, I went back to the original post on his blog and read come of the comments. I also went to the links that he provided for us to look at. I especially liked “Educating Trumps Blocking” by Kimberly Moritz. I agree with Ms. Moritz and think that when it comes to schools filtering their computers, it needs to stop. Kids will be kids, BUT like she said, “Stop filtering everything, teach kids how and where they can go on-line while in school, and give consequences to the 2% who make a mistake.” She made another good point in her article. Kids are and should be monitored while using computers. There are programs that allow you to monitor the student’s computers while sitting at your desk. I used this program last quarter. It was amazing!

Also, Mr. McLeod expresses that filtering needs to stop as well. By filtering and blocking the Internet, students get the message that they are not trusted. In reality, they aren’t and that is why they are blocked. Students will have to fend for themselves when it comes to these new technologies if they continue to be blocked all the time. I know at the school I teach a lot of websites are blocked. How can we as future educators bring all of the interesting new ideas and technologies to the classroom if we are blocked from most of them?

Using iPods in Instruction

http://www.learninginhand.com/ipod/index.html (had trouble making these links live.. sorry)
This site is entitled “Learning in Hand”. The creator, Tony Vincent, is a technology specialist that has created this amazing educator’s resource. Tony taught 5th grade in Omaha for 6 years. He helped teachers learn many of the new technologies and use them in their classrooms. Tony compiled all that he knows about technology into this very useful site. In his recent blog, he has the DO’s and DON’Ts of using iPod Touches in the classroom. There are so many things on this website that will help teachers and future educators in using and finding out about new technologies in the classroom. Take a look if you get a chance!!

When I researched about Duke University using iPods, I found this report:
http://cit.duke.edu/pdf/reports/ipod_initiative_04_05.pdf
This report is a summary of the first year that Duke introduced using iPods in instruction. The reports states that, “the iPod increased the frequency and depth of student interaction with audio course content through portable and flexible access offered by the iPod.” It also stated that there was, “Greater student engagement and interest in class discussions, labs, field research, and independent projects.” This very informative report included statistics, other benefits, comments, and specific class applications. It seemed as though students were more engaged in their classes. After reading some of the comments on this report, some of the students found that being able to record lectures and group activities helped them to better their understanding of the course. I really enjoyed this article. This article just proves that by using iPods and other technologies in instruction not only benefits the students but also the faculty.

iTunes U

How interesting and helpful is iTunes U! What I did was I went on my iTunes on my MacBook Pro and I clicked on iTunes U. I went to the different universities. The first movie I clicked on was at Auburn University and it was from the college of Education. I watched part of it and the topic was Private Practice for a class. The video was really funny at first. There were two men, Mike and Randy, and it was their first video attempt. They couldn’t stop laughing for a while. The video overall seemed to be full of information on the topic at hand. Here is a link: http://deimos3.apple.com/WebObjects/Core.woa/Browse/auburn.edu.1392433795?i=1679205158
After watching a few of these I went to others. I really like iTunes U. I found all sorts of podcasts and videos from different universities. I was not familiar with iTunes U until this class. I think iTunes U is very helpful to students and teachers.

I know as a student, iTunes U would allow me to stay updated on my classes and be more involved with my class. My professors would also benefit. Once they create a podcast and/or a video clip of their lessons, they have them for future references as well. Out of a few of the other videos and podcasts that I listened to and watched, this one was about the topic at hand. http://deimos3.apple.com/WebObjects/Core.woa/Browse/bama.ua.edu.2897382591?i=1803099860
This video was about podcasting from the University of Alabama. The instructor of this presentation entitled his PowerPoint “Podcasting as Pathway to Engaged Learning”. I watched some of the presentation and the presenter posted his thoughts on podcasting. He states that, “podcasting provides digitally stored audio” for the students. This is a good point. Students are more likely to have either a Smart Phone or iPod. So when it comes to podcasting from universities, students can easily go to iTunes and download needed material. Another great video if you get a second to check it out.

Dr. Alice Christie's Web Site

Dr. Alice is an Arizona State University President’s Professor Emeritus. She taught in K-12 schools for twenty-five years and recently retired from Arizona State University. Dr. Alice now conducts workshops internationally and nationally promoting technology in education. On Dr. Alice’s website she has a section entitled “Searching the Web”. In this part of her website she lists a number of Search Engines, Research Sites, Search Tools, and links to help use Search Engines effectively. She has a link on her website that brings you to this diagram. Even further, Dr. Alice placed links on this diagram to various online researching resources.

After I clicked on these links and read some of the material, I added her website to my favorites on my computer! Dr. Alice not only has links to very helpful reading material, but she has links to live web cams, simulations, and even web links to reference sites on all subjects. I almost couldn't stop clicking! By looking at her sight and being a teacher myself, I know that almost everyday I am on the web looking for lesson ideas and fun activities for my students. No matter what the objective is, I am sure I will be able to use her website to benefit the students. I really enjoyed looking over her site. I will probably use this sight on a daily basis!!

Skype

I wanted to post a blog about how I have been using Skype this semester. So far I have used Skype quite a bit. I started using Skype in the beginning of the class. I stay in contact with a classmate in this class and we discuss blog assignments and classwork. Amy Stork and I use Skype just to talk as well. Now that we are also working on our podcast, I have been using Skype to stay in contact with my podcast partners. Skype is really an interesting tool.

My husband is from Bosnia. Every since I have learned more about Skype, we have been able to talk to his parents that are still in Bosnia. Skype has helped us stay in touch with his family. I know that I will use Skype throughout the remainder of this class as well as for other personal things. I really have enjoyed it. You can talk to everyone!!!!

"What I've Learned This Year" by Mr. McClung

I really enjoyed this entry. I am glad Dr. Strange had us read this post. In my comment to Mr. McClung, I told him that I am a third year teacher in Mobile, Alabama. When I read his entry it sounded similar to my first year of teaching. I remember my student teaching and I was so worried about my superior watching me and scoring me on my "well planned out" lesson, that I did forget about my audience. During my first year of teaching I had teachers, parents, and some students telling me things that they thought I needed to know about teaching. When I realized that I was the only who taught my students day in and day out, I realized I had to do things on my own. After many of my "well-planned out" lessons did not work as I had planned them, I also realized that things may not go as planned. I actually learned a lot when they didn't.

My students and I grew together throughout the year and by the end of the year we had a blast. I changed my expectations and realized that not every day was going to be perfect. Now, in my third year teaching, I am still learning new styles, ideas, and technology. Every time I try something new with my students, I find it interesting to see if it works or not. During the journey though, I have had a lot of fun. I will be learning more and more each year and it makes me excited. I enjoy what I do and realized that not every year is the same. I thanked Mr. McClung for sharing his first year experiences and thoughts. I thoroughly enjoyed reading his post.

Wikipedia

What an interesting concept. After reading these articles and listening to the podcast about the Wikipedia, I am now questioning if anyone can trust what it says. Ever since Virgil Griffith created the Wikipedia Scanner, people have been questioning this reliable source of information. I know this is news to me, so I am sure that many people do not even know about this. Virgil Griffith is a grad student from Cal Tech that first became curious about the editing that was going on with Wikipedia. Virgil then created a scanner that allows people to trace back the IP address of who was editing or changing the Wikipedia entry. The Wikipedia has always allowed people or companies to edit or change any entries posted. After Virgil Griffith realized that Congress members’ offices had been editing their own entries, he got curious to see who else was editing entries. After creating this scanner, people are now able to trace back the editing to the companies that are doing it.

Diebold, a leading maker of voting machines, the FBI, Walmart, and a variety of politicians are editing and changing the Wikipedia entries about their companies. Is Wikipedia a reliable source of information? In one of the articles, it stated that children that are doing research on a certain topic should not just use Wikipedia for a reliable source of information. Students should also use another source of information to back up their findings. In my opinion, this makes me question the Wikipedia. I know that I will share this information with friends and family. Just as the podcast stated, I do think that this could possibly be lead to bettering the Wikipedia, but as of now, I am not so sure.

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=12823729

Comments4Kids Week 5

This week I was assigned to a post of two 9-10 year old students from England. Their post was a fictional story about a girl that was attending a science fair. In their story they wrote about a "blood red radioactive spider" that jumped out of nowhere and bit the girl. They continue to tell what happens to the girl after the spider bit her. They used a great variety of descriptive words in their writing. They also had about 15 comments on their story already. These comments were from many different people of all ages. I commented on their post and told them that they did a great job on the story. I told them that I especially enjoyed the ending as it left the reader in suspense about what will happen next. I enjoyed reading their story!

Comments4Kids Week 4

The student I commented on was Emma J. She wrote a paragraph on the author, Ruth Spiro. She writes the Fizz books. Emma talked about how the author told the students a hint about her next book. She also posted how she was like the author. I commented on her post and told her that it sounded like she enjoyed the author visit. I told Emma to keep up the good work and that I enjoyed looking at her blog.

Tiffany's Presentation

The Benefits of Podcasting in the Classroom

I watched this video clip on podcasting in the classroom and thought it was great! The teacher in this video really took time to plan out his lesson using podcasting and even incorporated other teacher’s voices in it. From the teacher’s comments, the students seemed to have enjoyed the lesson. Not only was it visual but it was also audio. Podcasting is a great way for students to use their higher order thinking skills, project based learning, and it promotes creativity. Students can use role play to create a podcast as well. I found that students enjoyed creating a podcast and listening to one as well. It sure beats reading out of a book and answering questions or listening to a lecture and taking notes.

Another point this video showed was that students that are absent or sick could stay current on their work with podcasting. If a student is sick and not able to come to school, podcasting can be very beneficial. Students may feel as though they are getting behind on school work. Instead of not being able to do anything until they get back to school, the student is able to sit and listen to the missed work. If teachers take the time and create a quick podcast on their lessons, students are able to take advantage of this technique and listen to missed work at home. The teacher and the student are saved from a big headache. I would love to incorporate this into my classroom.