Using Apple's iMovie, I created this public service anouncement (PSA) about my school-- CSUSM. My PSA contains cool facts, personalized music, and awesome transitions.
My PSA covers NETS Standard III.
Check it out...
Thursday, May 5, 2011
Sunday, April 17, 2011
Journal 10- Not Your Grandmother's library! (NETS I, II, V)
Perez, L. (2011, March/April). Feature article: not your grandmother's library!. Learning & Leading , 38(6), Retrieved from http://www.iste.org/learn/publications/learning-and-leading/issues/Feature_Article_Not_Your_Grandmother_s_Library.aspx
While some school libraries are equipped with state of the art books and technology equipment, others lack such tools. Most librarians nowadays have acquired the skill set that is needed to properly prepare the school’s educators and students for modern technologically geared libraries. Libraries are a key aspect to the school environment. Although the traditional paper and print books are still used very widely in our country, more and more students are relying on digital sources of literature and information. It is very important that our schools stay up to par on a technological standpoint. ISTE’s Special Interest Group for Media Specialists (SIGMS) offers a great community for school librarians to extend their knowledge on technology that can help the operation of their school libraries. SIGMS provides several ways to get involved like contributing to the newsletter and helping to organize developmental activities. You can find more information at www.iste.org/sigms. Another great source for instruction is Joyce Valenza’s award winging blog. Her blog is an awesome School Library Journal called The Neverending Search. Through her blog, she tries to find the latest technologies and resources to support her students’ informational needs and creativity. She has conducted a number of effective projects at her high school in Springfield and shares the experiences through her site. Some teachers, such as Wendy Stephens, are preparing their students for technological advances that are only imaginable. She is infusing technology in her library to prepare her students for what future in technology in education has in store. About 1,300 students attend Stephen’s high school and the school library is equipped with 14 computers, several laptops, and digital and video cameras; along with thousands of books. Some schools are even going to the extent of using Skype in their libraries to contact of other schools around the world. The fact of the matter is, the stern roots of the technology tree have grown deep within the public schools system’s soil.
Question 1: How do you think schools split up the library hours so that each class gets a chance to explore the technological world?
Answer 1: As far as the library went when I was in grade school, it was pretty much first come first serve. The teacher could literally call at the beginning of class and tell the librarian that they were on their way. With the advancement in technology, I’m sure it’s a lot more difficult now. I’d think that would have to sign your class up to go to the library at least a week or two in advance. I’m sure that each teacher is only allowed to bring their class so many times a month or semester.
Question 2: Where do you think technology in education will be five years from now?
Answer 2: Like Wendy Stephens said, I can only imagine the advancement. I am pretty sure that public school libraries will have a large inventory of computers so that each student has their own computer when their class gets the opportunity to visit the library. I’m sure that schools will have assessments and require the students to be technology savvy.
Journal 9- Teaching Green (NETS I, II, III, V)
Waters, J.K. (2011). Teaching green. t|h|e journal, 38(4), 13-14. Retrieved from http://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/1105/journal_201104/#/12
There are many ways that teachers can inform their students about the importance of a healthy environment. Forty one years ago our country started celebrating a healthy environment by declaring April 22nd “Earth Day.” Since that day, we have emphasized the importance of creating a e healthy earth by educating our youth about on the topic. Nowadays, educators have access to an abundance of online resources for green teaching. Take Classroom Earth (classroomearth.org) for example, it was created for highschool students and it contains an excess amount of information that can easily be included in your daily lesson plans. The purpose of the site is to broaden environmental education in high schools and include this topic in all areas and subjects. The site is loaded with helpful resources, it even contains news articles, videos, and lesson plans. Another great source is called A Walk in the Woods (urbanext.illinois.edu/woods/). This site was created for 3-5 graders from large cities. It offers them a virtual stroll through the woods and it is fully equipped with detailed photos and sound effects. This site is a perfect starting point to environmental education. Eek! also known as Environmental Education for Kids (http://dnr.wi.gov/eek/ ) is another great resource. This site was created for students between grades 4-8 and it is full of excellent content. It is considered an electronic magazine for kids and it was created by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Services. It offers many links for k-12 educators with lesson plans covering a variety of topics from climate change to endangered trees. One of the key components on this site is its “Teacher Pages.” These pages contain an array of helpful information like site navigation instructions, tips for getting students onto the site, and a list of subject supported activities.
Question 1: Which of these three resources seems like it would be the most insightful?
Answer 1: All three of these resources seem like they would be very helpful in different ways. The first site would help instructors more than anything. It has a lot of great information and its primary goal is to spread the word about environmental awareness. The second site seems like it is kind of limited. Its audience it very small and its primary purpose is very simplistic—teach urban kids about the wilderness. I believe that Eek! would be the most helpful of the three. Not only is it an entertaining educational magazine for the students, but it also has a section for teachers. It is the most complete site out of the three.
Question 2: How well do you think our public schools are doing with communicating the importance of environmental awareness?
Answer 2: First and foremost, the idea of these websites is awesome. The only concern I have is how many people are actually using these resources. Personally, I’ve never seen an environmental education website until today. My teachers never really discussed the importance of protecting our mother earth. I think that the extent of being environmentally savvy in our public schools is through recycling. Other than that, most students aren’t getting educated on the topic. I think it should be part of the curriculum.
Thursday, April 14, 2011
My Presentation Assessment
I created this survey using Google Docs to help get a grasp on the effectiveness of my Powerpoint presentation. Please use this survey to assess the quality of my presentation.
This assignment meets NETS II and V.
Click Here for Assessment Results.
This assignment meets NETS II and V.
Click Here for Assessment Results.
Journal 8- " Point/Counterpoint: Should Schools Be Held Responsible for Cyberbullying?" (NETS III, IV, V)
Bogacz, R, & Gordillo, M. (2011, March/April). Point/counterpoint: should schools be held responsible for cyberbullying?. Learning & Leading , 38(6), Retrieved from http://www.iste.org/learn/publications/learning-and-leading/issues/Point_Counterpoint_Should_Schools_Be_Held_Responsible_for_Cyberbullying.aspx
The YES argument:
Technology had created an easy way for students to bully one another. Regardless where the bullying takes place, it greatly affects the kid’s life at school. Therefore it is vital that educators and school officials do not overlook it. From teachers to student, and parents to administrators, it is important that they all work together otherwise it is inevitable in today’s society. Administrators need to take whatever actions are justifiable to ensure the students in the school are in technologically safe environment. It is the parent’s responsibility to keep a tab on their children’s cyber world. They should check their phones and social networks on a regular basis to and know what their children are up to. Students need to know the relevance of cyber bullying and its common existence in today’s culture. The victims of cyber bullying need to act rather than just live with it. They must understand that it wrong and can be very threatening. Students who have been victimized in this sense may need to take part in counseling.
The NO argument:
Some people believe that behavioral problems that didn’t begin in the classroom, such as most cases of cyber bullying, should not end in the classroom. This has become such a major issue because we, as a society, have lost the importance of family as an institution. The weaker families get, the more bullying that occurs. Love is the vaccine for bullying. Parents who genuinely love their children and show it don’t need to be too concerned with their child being a cyber bully, but possibly a victim. Finding love in your home is merely impossible in some circumstances. In so many areas of our country today, both parents are required to work all day. Also, the divorce rate is at its peak. Considering these two aspects alone, the lack of love is very pertinent.
Question 1: In what level of institution do you feel that cyber bullying is most relevant?
Answer 1: I believe that cyber bullying happens most in middle school. Most elementary school students lack the knowledge and capability in regards to social networks. Most high school students have adopted a stern personality and if they are going to duke it out, it won’t be over the internet. Middle school students on the other hand have a limited amount of knowledge when it comes to the internet, and sadly that knowledge is all in the world of social-networking. This is the age when kids are most vulnerable, trying to find themselves and scrutinizing others helps their process of self-realization.
Question 2: Do you, personally, believe that schools should be held responsible for cyber bullying?
Answer 2: No. I think that schools should definitely do everything possible to stop this issue and it is their civil duty but they aren’t responsible for the spark that lit the candle. It is not the schools fault that the students are defiant and disrespectful, it is the families fault. With the issue constantly escalating, it is definitely something that administration needs to regulate. They need to come up with a stern set of consequences.
Journal 7- My Personal Leraning Network (NETS I, II, III, IV)
My PLN (Personal Learning Network) is a place where I can learn from my peers. It consists of numerous resources that are vital and helpful in being successful in my career. In my PLN, those who I follow often suggest great ideas and suggestions that will help me be an effective teacher. I communicate with teachers, technology experts, and fellow classmates. Some of the things I look for within my PLN are innovative and creative ways to communicate my curriculum content. This is important because all students learn differently.
One resource that I commonly use in my PLN is Twitter. Twitter has become universal. No matter where you are in the world, everyone knows about twitter. This source allows me to “follow” people as they discuss whatever it is they feel is relevant. I’m currently following a few educational gurus/college sites along with a few friends and a few celebs. I’m following Classroom 2.0, Liveclass 2.0, the awesome Dr. Jeff Heil, Bill Cosby, along with several of my fellow classmates. Classroom 2.0 frequently posts classroom assignment ideas. It sort of has a Q & A feel to it. I know that if I need info on anything that incorporates technology and education I can rely on Classroom 2.0 on Twitter. Liveclass 2.0 is a live show that is held every Saturday at 11 pm. It is about technology tools that are used in the classroom. Not only is Bill Cosby a great comedian, but he is also a great educationalist. He does a wonderful job making his followers think outside of the box. I joined an educational chat on Twitter at 1 pm (4pm EST) this afternoon (April 13, 2011). That chat I participated in was EL Chat, or English Language Chat. I did a lot more observing than I did typing. I found those who were participating to be very lax and enjoyable. I chose this chat because it was the only one that was adaptable to my busy schedule (only because I got off an hour early today). Most of the people must have been from a faraway place because they kept stating that it was night time. The first thing I read was, “Right time to have a glass of wine and watch dream school, night all.” One gentleman was discussing private immersion schools in Brazil. He mentioned that half of the subjects were taught in English and the other half in Spanish. There was probably about 20 participating in the chat and they seemed to all know each other. It almost seemed more like a personal chat than an educational chat. They were talking about babysitting, clothing, and different kinds of wine. If I had my choice (less time constraints), I would have definitely chose a different chat to participate in.
Like twitter, Diigo is another awesome networking tool. Diigo is a bookmarking site that allows you to bookmark and tag pretty much anything that interests you. Also like twitter, Diigo allows you to follow people with similar interests. I am following several educators from around the world. The first site that I tagged PLN is PLN 101. This site is an intro to Personal Learning Networks. It teaches you the basics and gets you started on your own PLN. The next thing that I tagged PLN is a fun wiki called factory wall. This wiki gives a number of awesome ways to incorporate art into education. I also tagged an interesting blog titled, Year One: A College Blog. In this blog, a freshman at a university documents her life. This blog was created so that future college students have a sense of what they can expect when they make that plunge.
I also recently joined Classroom 2.0, which is a digital discussion forum. Classroom 2.0 is a cool social network that encourages the use of technology in schools. I explored the Classroom 2.0 blog. This allows virtually anybody to post something. Just need your name and e-mail. There were some pretty interesting posts and subject matter varied. It was all educational or technological.
Journal 6- Grow Your Personal Learning Network (NETS I, III, V)
Warlick, D. (2009). Grow your personal learning network. Learning & Leading with Technology (36)6, Retrieved from http://istelearning.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/Grow-Your-PLN.pdf
There is nothing new about PLN’s. Whether you realize it or not, we have always relied on PLNs for information and knowledge. The only thing that’s changed is the resources; the actual networks that we use. Instead of our PLN consisting of family, friends, and the media, we now rely on ICT’s (Information and Communication Technologies). We now have access to information worldwide at the click of a mouse. These new technological PLNs are imperative for educators who want to keep up with the ever-changing culture in today’s society. There is a wide variety of notable PLNs that are floating in the large ocean of the internet nowadays. The most popular amongst educators are Skype, Google Reader, Second Life, Mailing Lists, Diigo, Ning, Delicious, Google Talk, wikis, and blogs. This advancement of PLNs through technology is a pretty recent phenomenon and these magnificent sources just continue to multiply. There are three main types of PLNs. The first is the personally maintained synchronous connections. This is the classic method that exposes one to people who can help assist with questions and solve problems. A modern example of this PLN would be chat rooms, instant messaging, and even Skype. The second type of PLN is the personally and socially maintained semisynchronous connections. This source of PLNs is very relevant in today’s world. These are sources such as Facebook and twitter. They allow you to have live discussions with any given person and collaborate with people who nowhere in close to you in geographical distance. The third type is the dynamically maintained asynchronous connections. The first two types of PLNs connect you to people; this PLN connects you with content sources that one finds helpful. With his method you sign up for RSS feeds using an aggregator. Like blog feeds. Another commonly used PLN that fits this category is the social bookmarking service such as Diigo.
Question 1: What do you feel the most commonly used type of PLN is today?
Answer 1: I think that we use personally and socially maintained semisynchronous connections the most. The two most popular website/social networking tools in the world today are Facebook and twitter. Although the majority of people that use these tools use them for personal use, there is still a lot of PLN communities who use these popular social networks.
Question 2: What PLN source would you most recommend for future educators?
Answer 2: Between Twitter and Diigo, its pretty close but I think that Twitter has the edge. Along with following educational gurus, Twitter also gives you the option to chat live with people from around the world that share common interests. It also has live shows such as Live Class 2.0. There are just so many people who this tool that your possible sources are pretty much endless.
There is nothing new about PLN’s. Whether you realize it or not, we have always relied on PLNs for information and knowledge. The only thing that’s changed is the resources; the actual networks that we use. Instead of our PLN consisting of family, friends, and the media, we now rely on ICT’s (Information and Communication Technologies). We now have access to information worldwide at the click of a mouse. These new technological PLNs are imperative for educators who want to keep up with the ever-changing culture in today’s society. There is a wide variety of notable PLNs that are floating in the large ocean of the internet nowadays. The most popular amongst educators are Skype, Google Reader, Second Life, Mailing Lists, Diigo, Ning, Delicious, Google Talk, wikis, and blogs. This advancement of PLNs through technology is a pretty recent phenomenon and these magnificent sources just continue to multiply. There are three main types of PLNs. The first is the personally maintained synchronous connections. This is the classic method that exposes one to people who can help assist with questions and solve problems. A modern example of this PLN would be chat rooms, instant messaging, and even Skype. The second type of PLN is the personally and socially maintained semisynchronous connections. This source of PLNs is very relevant in today’s world. These are sources such as Facebook and twitter. They allow you to have live discussions with any given person and collaborate with people who nowhere in close to you in geographical distance. The third type is the dynamically maintained asynchronous connections. The first two types of PLNs connect you to people; this PLN connects you with content sources that one finds helpful. With his method you sign up for RSS feeds using an aggregator. Like blog feeds. Another commonly used PLN that fits this category is the social bookmarking service such as Diigo.
Question 1: What do you feel the most commonly used type of PLN is today?
Answer 1: I think that we use personally and socially maintained semisynchronous connections the most. The two most popular website/social networking tools in the world today are Facebook and twitter. Although the majority of people that use these tools use them for personal use, there is still a lot of PLN communities who use these popular social networks.
Question 2: What PLN source would you most recommend for future educators?
Answer 2: Between Twitter and Diigo, its pretty close but I think that Twitter has the edge. Along with following educational gurus, Twitter also gives you the option to chat live with people from around the world that share common interests. It also has live shows such as Live Class 2.0. There are just so many people who this tool that your possible sources are pretty much endless.
Thursday, March 10, 2011
My Classroom Newsletter
Nets I, III
Using Microsoft Word, I created a classroom newsletter to share with my students and parents.
Using Microsoft Word, I created a classroom newsletter to share with my students and parents.
Thursday, March 3, 2011
Journal 5- Learning Connections: Find Free Tools and More (NETS I, II, III, V)
Ribera, M. (2011, March/April). Learning connections: find free tools and more. Learning & Leading, 38(6), Retrieved from http://www.iste.org/learn/publications/learning-and-leading/issues/Learning_Connections_Find_Free_Tools_and_More.aspx
Adam Bellow who is the director of technology for College Board Schools and a 2010 ISTE Emerging Leader created an awesome website called EduTecher (http://edutecher.net). The site is completely, 100% free, as well as ad-free. It has a boatload of educational and technology resources and it is great for teachers. The website is very broad; it is able to accommodate everybody. It doesn’t matter where you are from, how old you are, or how familiar you are with technology, there is something for all teachers and all learners. Note: Although EduTecher has no ads, many of the sites on its list do. Bellow’s site has thousands of links and he adds to the list on a daily basis. The site contains explanations as well as webisodes that tell the educators how sites can be used in the classroom. Each link has the capability to receive feedback by users so you have an idea of what the link is. EduTecher is the very first educational website to release a mobile application. It is available for both the Android and the iPhone. Over 8,000 people have already downloaded this app.
Q: Do you believe that by creating a mobile app for EduTecher, Bellow has created a new trend as far as mobile education is concerned?
A: Although there are numerous Wikis and other educational apps available for mobile download, I think that Bellow has started a something new. His app has a focus. Many educational apps are very broad and can be used to research a little bit of everything. Bellow’s app on the other hand is based on technology in education. With this being said, I believe that many others will begin creating both resource sites and apps that pertain to a certain subject and have a true goal.
Q: Do you think that regular EduTecher users are use the site regularly or are they just “web surfers?”
A: Because the site so particular in its motive, I believe that those who use the site are probably pretty loyal to the site. It’s hard to find great resource sites that focus on a particular topic and disperse dependable sources.
Journal 4- It's Time to Trust Teachers with the Internet: A Conversation With Meg Ormiston (Nets I, II, IV, V)
Schaffhauser, D. (2010, December 1). It's time to trust teachers with the internet: a conversation with Meg Ormiston. Retrieved from http://thejournal.com/Articles/2010/12/01/Its-Time-To-Trust-Teachers-with-the-Internet-A-Conversation-with-Meg-Ormiston.aspx?sc_lang=en&Page=1
Restraining internet policies and lollygagging IT departments are making some teachers’ lives a world full of stress. Current teachers have faced a nearly impossible scenario; they are required to incorporate modern teaching techniques into their curriculums but aren’t allowed to use the tools that the job entails. Meg Ormiston, who has had various positions in education, consults with schools on adopting a modern, computer based curriculum to tend to the technology savvy students of today. Although Ormiston agrees that there are some obstacles to surpass to use computers in class such as the limitation of bandwidth, she believes that the primary reason that technology isn’t implemented in schools is because schools just don’t trust teachers. One of the reasons is because some they feel that some teachers can’t draw the line between which websites are and which aren’t acceptable for their students. From a parent’s point of view, Ormiston believes that the children’s well being and protection is a priority. She also feels that as long as the proper sites are blocked then responsible computing needs to be taught. Students need to learn about social networking and how to make the right choices as far as networking resources go. Ormiston thinks that sources such as YouTube should be filtered. Although YouTube has a lot of inappropriate videos, they also have many educational ones.
Q: Do you feel that most students’ parents would support Meg Ormiston’s argument?
A: I feel that Meg has a very solid point. Our generation and the generations to come will be doing a lot more typing than writing. Some of my peers have already forgotten how to write in cursive because the write so seldom. Also, everything that comes in book form is now available in iBook form. Research is far more commonly obtained on computers than in actual books nowadays.
Q: Do you think that Meg Ormiston’s suggestion/argument will soon become actuality?
A: I do believe that within the next ten years technology in classrooms will rise at an alarming rate. I do not feel that typing will overcome writing in a primary and secondary school basis anytime soon. With the way our nation’s capitalistic ideals are, not all students (lower class) will have the opportunity to be exposed to these resources.
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Journal 3- 100 Things that make me happy
100 things that make me happy...
1) Technology
2) Computers
3) Music
4) My mommy
5) Sleep
6) Traveling
7) The San Diego Chargers
8) Movies
9) Friends
10) My GF
11) Board games
12) Winning
13) Flying
14) iPhone 4
15) Painting
16) Learning
17) Skateboarding
18) Instagram-ing
19) House Chicken
20) Lakers
21) Dave and Busters
22) Hot Wings
23) My Brother
24) Days off
25) Cough drops
26) Sushi
27) My Cats
28) Summertime
29) Padres
30) Writing
31) Stone Brewery
32) Money
33) Bowling
34) I.P.A.’s
35) Lobster Tail
36) Hawaiian Pizza
37) Oceanside Ale Works
38) Las Vegas
39) New shoes
40) Coupons
41) Kitkats
42) Kim Kardashian’s ass
43) Jack Daniels
44) Reading
45) Snorkeling
46) Skittles
47) The Pursuit of Happiness
48) Jim Carey
49) Murs
50) Car shows
51) Sports
52) Photography
53) Santa Barbra
54) Legos
55) Pinot Grigio
56) Dave Chapelle
57) Ocean Breeze
58) Karl Strauss
59) Clean Linens
60) The Zoo
61) The Beach
62) Crown Royal
63) Art
64) Mike Epps
65) Sunglasses
66) My Watch
67) Aqua de Gio
68) The Sun
69) Love
70) Hats
71) Mingling
72) Swimming Pools
73) Roller Coasters
74) Spending Money
75) Angry Birds
76) Wii
77) Fruit Snacks
78) Bacon Western Cheeseburgers
79) Haircuts
80) Pizza Port
81) Road Trips
82) Drive Ins
83) Live Music
84) Aloe Blacc
85) Being Healthy
86) Amazon.com
87) Aztec Basketball
88) Button Ups
89) Gum
90) Jameson
91) Sailor Jerry
92) Gym
93) Cheesecake
94) Crystal Light
95) Teaching
96) Seeing others happy
97) Dumb and Dumber
98) Bob Marley
99) UFC
100) ESPN.com
1) Technology
2) Computers
3) Music
4) My mommy
5) Sleep
6) Traveling
7) The San Diego Chargers
8) Movies
9) Friends
10) My GF
11) Board games
12) Winning
13) Flying
14) iPhone 4
15) Painting
16) Learning
17) Skateboarding
18) Instagram-ing
19) House Chicken
20) Lakers
21) Dave and Busters
22) Hot Wings
23) My Brother
24) Days off
25) Cough drops
26) Sushi
27) My Cats
28) Summertime
29) Padres
30) Writing
31) Stone Brewery
32) Money
33) Bowling
34) I.P.A.’s
35) Lobster Tail
36) Hawaiian Pizza
37) Oceanside Ale Works
38) Las Vegas
39) New shoes
40) Coupons
41) Kitkats
42) Kim Kardashian’s ass
43) Jack Daniels
44) Reading
45) Snorkeling
46) Skittles
47) The Pursuit of Happiness
48) Jim Carey
49) Murs
50) Car shows
51) Sports
52) Photography
53) Santa Barbra
54) Legos
55) Pinot Grigio
56) Dave Chapelle
57) Ocean Breeze
58) Karl Strauss
59) Clean Linens
60) The Zoo
61) The Beach
62) Crown Royal
63) Art
64) Mike Epps
65) Sunglasses
66) My Watch
67) Aqua de Gio
68) The Sun
69) Love
70) Hats
71) Mingling
72) Swimming Pools
73) Roller Coasters
74) Spending Money
75) Angry Birds
76) Wii
77) Fruit Snacks
78) Bacon Western Cheeseburgers
79) Haircuts
80) Pizza Port
81) Road Trips
82) Drive Ins
83) Live Music
84) Aloe Blacc
85) Being Healthy
86) Amazon.com
87) Aztec Basketball
88) Button Ups
89) Gum
90) Jameson
91) Sailor Jerry
92) Gym
93) Cheesecake
94) Crystal Light
95) Teaching
96) Seeing others happy
97) Dumb and Dumber
98) Bob Marley
99) UFC
100) ESPN.com
Journal 2- Join the Flock! & Enhance Your Twitter Experience (Nets I, III, V)
Ferguson, H. (2010). Join the flock!. Learning & Leading With Technology, 37(8), Retrieved from http://www.iste.org/learn/publications/learning-and-leading/issues/Join_the_Flock.aspx
Miller, S. (2010). Enhance your twitter experience. Learning & Leading With Technology, 37(8), Retrieved from http://www.learningandleading-digital.com/learning_leading/20100607#pg16
A PLN (Personal Learning Network) is a community of learners around the world who connect online. Twitter is a virtual meeting place to house these learners. These learners start out as strangers but after connecting their primary commonality, the love of learning and education, they create a community where they collaborate and maximize their education experience. Creating a PLN takes a little commitment and some socializing (finding friends to join!). You have to set aside a little time, whenever it best fits your schedule, if not your PLN will surely fail. To start your PLN, the first thing you need to do is create a twitter account. Type a bio that states what you truly love and make sure you upload a pic! The next thing you need to do is begin following people. Find people who inspire you or who you can learn something from such as educators or historians. Now just watch and learn. Read tweets, explore blogs, and learn. Give a little something, or a lot of something! It is like a chain reaction, the more you give the more you get. As people check out your tweets and add follow you, the more networking becomes available. You can tag your tweets by using a hashtag (or # sign). This will give it even more exposure. There are also twitter organizers which help you organize your tweets. This separates your tweets into columns. Twitter is a great way to network and it has a lot to offer. You can even get awesome invites to national educational events and places like ISTE.
Q: Is Twitter used more widely as a social networking tool or an educational networking tool?
A: It is both. For all of the pop culture gurus out there, celebrates and their dirty gossip is being spread throughout the twitter nation every second. It is also a great music tool. Great way to follow your artists and get updated tour dates and what not. Twitter has greatly grown into an educational warehouse. There are hundreds of thousands of intelligent minds out there who willingly share their knowledge everyday. Twitter is great.
Q: What is the best way to find a good PLN?
A: A PLN is what you make it. It is your own personal learning network, therefore you have the power to decide who has the most intellectual bullets to shoot you with. I would recommend following some of your favorite professors and authors. Or finding those who discuss a particular subject that intices you and simply click: FOLLOW.
Miller, S. (2010). Enhance your twitter experience. Learning & Leading With Technology, 37(8), Retrieved from http://www.learningandleading-digital.com/learning_leading/20100607#pg16
A PLN (Personal Learning Network) is a community of learners around the world who connect online. Twitter is a virtual meeting place to house these learners. These learners start out as strangers but after connecting their primary commonality, the love of learning and education, they create a community where they collaborate and maximize their education experience. Creating a PLN takes a little commitment and some socializing (finding friends to join!). You have to set aside a little time, whenever it best fits your schedule, if not your PLN will surely fail. To start your PLN, the first thing you need to do is create a twitter account. Type a bio that states what you truly love and make sure you upload a pic! The next thing you need to do is begin following people. Find people who inspire you or who you can learn something from such as educators or historians. Now just watch and learn. Read tweets, explore blogs, and learn. Give a little something, or a lot of something! It is like a chain reaction, the more you give the more you get. As people check out your tweets and add follow you, the more networking becomes available. You can tag your tweets by using a hashtag (or # sign). This will give it even more exposure. There are also twitter organizers which help you organize your tweets. This separates your tweets into columns. Twitter is a great way to network and it has a lot to offer. You can even get awesome invites to national educational events and places like ISTE.
Q: Is Twitter used more widely as a social networking tool or an educational networking tool?
A: It is both. For all of the pop culture gurus out there, celebrates and their dirty gossip is being spread throughout the twitter nation every second. It is also a great music tool. Great way to follow your artists and get updated tour dates and what not. Twitter has greatly grown into an educational warehouse. There are hundreds of thousands of intelligent minds out there who willingly share their knowledge everyday. Twitter is great.
Q: What is the best way to find a good PLN?
A: A PLN is what you make it. It is your own personal learning network, therefore you have the power to decide who has the most intellectual bullets to shoot you with. I would recommend following some of your favorite professors and authors. Or finding those who discuss a particular subject that intices you and simply click: FOLLOW.
Journal 1- Do Web 2.0 Right (Nets I, IV, V)
Light, D. (2011). Do web 2.0 right. Learning and Leading, 38(5), Retrieved from http://www.iste.org/learn/publications/learning-and-leading/digital-edition-february-march-2011.aspx
Daniel Light and his colleague Deborah Polin traveled around the United States to figure out how teachers are creating successful activities for their classes using Web 2.0. Web 2.0 are those frequently used internet tools such as wikis and blogs. These tools are exposed and used commonly in popular culture, therefore they are great tools to get students involved in writing and learning about the world of technology. Daniel and Deborah interviewed 39 educators from 22 schools. They were interested in the various ways that the teachers were using Web 2.0 and how it was improving the student’s learning. The two researchers discovered that the teachers who had the most success were those who created ongoing conversations among the students. The most successful way to use Web 2.0 is on a daily basis rather than for occasional projects or what not. Although these tools are often used for social purposes, they take on a whole new spectrum when incorporated in education. Some blog activities just failed because they were open to the public. If the blog topic was too personal or if was an embarrassing topic, students became skeptical self-conscious. Audience plays a large role when it comes to student blogs. Teachers are worried about other adults viewing their students blogs, while students are more worried about other young people reading what they’ve written. Most of the schools only chose certain sites or blogs, this divided the viewers into three groups: the teacher and parents, the broad internet, and fellow classmates. Another important factor is behavior. Students don’t view these blogs as social spaces, but as educational environments. Students are expected to give critical yet respectful feedback.
Q:What is a good way to incorporate Wikis in a classroom curriculum?
A: Because wikis are public adjustable information boards, students could use them as a sole informative source for a research project. Another possibility would be to have the students try and locate faults within the wiki documents, comparing them to published sources such as encycolopedias.
Q: Do you think that the majority of schools will someday be teaching and using Web 2.0 tools in America?
A: I just can’t see it happening anytime soon. With our school’s test scores as low as they are and the goals set by NCLB (no child left behind) I can’t imagine our nation grating out youth that privilege yet. I thinkif we based it on social class, all of the high-class and ¾ of the middle class will be using Web 2.0 in at school. They are the “privileged” ones.
Daniel Light and his colleague Deborah Polin traveled around the United States to figure out how teachers are creating successful activities for their classes using Web 2.0. Web 2.0 are those frequently used internet tools such as wikis and blogs. These tools are exposed and used commonly in popular culture, therefore they are great tools to get students involved in writing and learning about the world of technology. Daniel and Deborah interviewed 39 educators from 22 schools. They were interested in the various ways that the teachers were using Web 2.0 and how it was improving the student’s learning. The two researchers discovered that the teachers who had the most success were those who created ongoing conversations among the students. The most successful way to use Web 2.0 is on a daily basis rather than for occasional projects or what not. Although these tools are often used for social purposes, they take on a whole new spectrum when incorporated in education. Some blog activities just failed because they were open to the public. If the blog topic was too personal or if was an embarrassing topic, students became skeptical self-conscious. Audience plays a large role when it comes to student blogs. Teachers are worried about other adults viewing their students blogs, while students are more worried about other young people reading what they’ve written. Most of the schools only chose certain sites or blogs, this divided the viewers into three groups: the teacher and parents, the broad internet, and fellow classmates. Another important factor is behavior. Students don’t view these blogs as social spaces, but as educational environments. Students are expected to give critical yet respectful feedback.
Q:What is a good way to incorporate Wikis in a classroom curriculum?
A: Because wikis are public adjustable information boards, students could use them as a sole informative source for a research project. Another possibility would be to have the students try and locate faults within the wiki documents, comparing them to published sources such as encycolopedias.
Q: Do you think that the majority of schools will someday be teaching and using Web 2.0 tools in America?
A: I just can’t see it happening anytime soon. With our school’s test scores as low as they are and the goals set by NCLB (no child left behind) I can’t imagine our nation grating out youth that privilege yet. I thinkif we based it on social class, all of the high-class and ¾ of the middle class will be using Web 2.0 in at school. They are the “privileged” ones.
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Technology Self-Assessment: School 2.0
Using a website called Classroom 2.0 I tested my technological abilities and knowledge and reflected on the results. I chose to reflect on NETS I, which is Facilitate and Inspire Student Learning. I thinkg that this is the most important standard.
This activity meets NETS Standard IV.
I chose the reflection results for NETS-T Module: Facilitate and Inspire Student Learning and Creativity because I believe that all students should have the opportunity to flex their creativity muscles. Creativity is something that we all condone, yet the way we each express it is so different. It is unfortunate that our schools have given up most of the student’s opportunities to explore the world of creativity to focus more on reading, writing, and arithmetic (the three R’s).
I was fascinated when I came across a resource that read, Rock Our World. The title alone seems so intriguing; I had to investigate a little more. Rock Our World, or ROW, was created in 2004. It is a world-wide project that gives k-12 students the opportunity to make music and movies, and even meet online to talk through video chats. This whole program seems like a win-win to me. Not only does this program give students the chance to enhance their technological capabilities but it also allows them to be artistic and think freely. Another experience that it offers is the chance to meet and communicate with other people their age from all around the world. If I were a teacher, this is one program that I would definitely try to utilize.
Check it out for yourself... http://www.rockourworld.org/
This activity meets NETS Standard IV.
I chose the reflection results for NETS-T Module: Facilitate and Inspire Student Learning and Creativity because I believe that all students should have the opportunity to flex their creativity muscles. Creativity is something that we all condone, yet the way we each express it is so different. It is unfortunate that our schools have given up most of the student’s opportunities to explore the world of creativity to focus more on reading, writing, and arithmetic (the three R’s).
I was fascinated when I came across a resource that read, Rock Our World. The title alone seems so intriguing; I had to investigate a little more. Rock Our World, or ROW, was created in 2004. It is a world-wide project that gives k-12 students the opportunity to make music and movies, and even meet online to talk through video chats. This whole program seems like a win-win to me. Not only does this program give students the chance to enhance their technological capabilities but it also allows them to be artistic and think freely. Another experience that it offers is the chance to meet and communicate with other people their age from all around the world. If I were a teacher, this is one program that I would definitely try to utilize.
Check it out for yourself... http://www.rockourworld.org/
Thursday, February 3, 2011
Introducing me, Shawn Daniels..
We got our first family computer back in the early 90’s. It was a good ol’ Macintosh. I’d be on that damn thing for hours playing Prince of Persia and The Oregon Trail. That was the extent of my technological knowledge until probably the mid to late 90’s. Throughout high school I was mediocre when it came to operating the computer; until my senior year. I took my first computer science course my senior year and it helped a lot. We used your typical school wide, bought in bulk, Dell and we learned the basics about Microsoft Office. After I graduated I took a computer class at Mira Costa Community College and it pretty much covered the same basis as the class I took a few years prior. About a year ago I took CS100 at CSUSM and it was very helpful. I think I’m a little above average when, maybe about a 7 on a 10 scale, when it comes to operating computers and technology.
The CSUSM College of Education Mission Statement speaks loudly in regards to the educator I someday hope to be. I believe it is the epitome of what an effective educator. The use of collaboratively in its opening is a key component in education today. In order to have a successful educational system it is ideal for everyone in the community to support each other and be on the same page. The phrase “We are committed to diversity” also hits me hard. Our southern California schools are so emigrated and it is a beautiful thing. The mission statement maintains a consistent message when considering the free, varied state that our country is in. Educators must be able to appreciate their students for who they are and encourage them to be individuals. Besides, creativity and individuality is what our nation is known for when considering education.
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