Journal #9 (NINE): Science + Technology = Creativity (and Fun!)

Mader, Jared (2009). Science + Technology = Creativity (and Fun!). Learning and Leading with Technology, 1, Retrieved 08/07/2009, from http://www.iste.org/AM/Template.cfm?Section=August_No_1_2&Template=/MembersOnly.cfm&NavMenuID=4363&ContentID=23906&DirectListComboInd=D

This is a good article that gives science teachers some idea of how to incorporate video cameras, I-pods, and microphones in their classes but says nothing about tools that would actually be used in a scientific capacity. I take issue with the author and his opinion of scientist being linear thinkers. This cannot be farther from the truth. If scientific thinking was so linear then I doubt that there would be any scientific revolution. Mathematics and other sciences may have linear approaches to academic problems but science is hardly linear. The article gives ways to incorporate I-pods and video cameras to make learning fun (I hesitate to call them tools because they are entertainment devices) and give students ways to express their learning experiences. If you give students tools and time and be vague then they can find their own creativity and express the meaning of the content in their own way.

Would teachers benefit from incorporating assignments using these tools in their classrooms?

Of course they would. Assignments like these would break up the monotony of homework and traditional assignments.

Does this aid learning?

I think this aids in finding creativity and can aid learning because it makes the process of learning fun and students would be less likely to question the need to learn the material.

Journal #8 (EIGHT): Choosing the Perfect Tools for One-to-One Learning

Bouterse, Brian (2009/08). Choosing the Perfect Tools for One-to-One. Learning and Leading with Technology, 1, Retrieved 08/07/2009, from
http://www.iste.org/Content/NavigationMenu/Publications/LL/Current_Issue/L_L_August.htm

If you were in-charge of incorporating a One-to-One learning initiative in your school and needed some information on how to go about doing this or some general information about some common devices that schools use, then this article is a great starting point for you. This article focuses on selecting the portable computing device that will best meet the needs of your school or districts One-to-One learning initiative. This article includes some considerations that you must take into account such as: the purpose of the device, the device’s operation system, the applications and content that will be used, peripherals that will be used and the overall robustness of the device, when you are choosing a portable device. There are also side-by-side comparisons of some of the most commonly used devices but if you are seeking something a bit more specialized then it would be a good idea to perform a more detailed investigation of equipment that will best suite your classroom needs.

How useful is this information to a district that is thinking about implementing a One-to-One learning initiative?
The information presented here is common sense and would most likely be taken into account or already known by the instructor or administrator that is make the One-to-One change. The article only compares the most basic computers or “learning devices” (which is educational speak for laptop computer) and not specific models or applications that these devices would be used for.

Is this One-to-One initiative feasible in all schools?
No, since some schools do not get the same amount of funding as other schools. I all schools received the same amount of funding then I think this classroom model is not far off for all schools but not any time soon.

My iMovie NETS - II & III

This is an iMovie that I created using iMovie software with video and audio clips provided my instructor. This video utilizes screen effects, titles, transitions, and recorded video and audio. This software is so simple to use would be easy to incorporate into the classroom.

I am in the Program!

Well guys I am in the program and I was put in the Night Cohort, which kind of sucks but I am grateful to be in the program. Good luck to everyone else.

My Inspiration NETS - I & V

This was a fun project created with Inspiration 8 software. This software creates charts and outlines for just about any project you can think of. Try it out!

Welcome to Copyright Cove NETS - IV & V

This is a collaborative project about the copyright rules that teachers should be aware of when they are using work done by someone else for purposes of teaching. I would like to thank my partners Liliana Tucker and Alisa Dean for their collaboration, Hard work and Professionalism on this project.

Copyright Cove

A Web 2.0 Wiki Page I Created for Ed422 NETS - 2 & 3

This Wiki page was created using a site called Wetpaint. Wetpaint is a collaborative site that lets people who are interested in the same things post about their passion on a cool website without hassle.

Math-themed Crossword Puzzle for High School NETS - I & II

This is a math themed crossword puzzle for use in a high school mathematics class. I was very easy to create and there are plenty of tutorials on how to create this project on www.atomiclearning.com.

Ed422 Crossword

Journal #7 (SEVEN): Beyond Social Networking: Building Toward Learning Communities

Reynard, Ruth (2009/07/15). Beyond social networking: Building toward learning communities. The Journal, Retrieved 08/01/2009, from http://thejournal.com/Articles/2009/07/15/Beyond-Social-Networking-Building-Toward-Learning-Communities.aspx?Page=1

Ruth Reynard presented some interesting information on how social networking tools and other web 2.0 applications can be incorporated into the classroom to help students develop some much needed technology skills while at the same time learning in a fun and exciting way. Kids already use social networking tools to communicate with each other so why not take advantage of the tools and apply them to teaching and learning. Social networking provides a great way to expand the teacher’s options to convey information and keep the learning process fresh. The author suggests that through the use of social networking and other web 2.0 tools kids can develop other skills such as collaboration and discussion. I don’t think that students can learn these skills solely from using web 2.0 tools but it surely can help. It should be said that the teacher is still the most important part of learning as teachers dictate how students learn and by what methods they transfer information to their students.

Is it to a teachers benefit to incorporate web 2.0 tools into the classroom?
Absolutely it is. I have no doubt that theses are great tools for teachers and every teacher should try to use these tools in their classroom. I am going to try these when I have my own classroom. Let’s face it; this new generation is more computer literate than ever before so they would feel comfortable in the virtual environment. I my opinion these tools can only make a teacher’s job easier.

Are there drawbacks to using these tools in the classroom?
Of course, there are drawbacks to everything. Social networking sites weren’t designed to be used for educational purposes. The issue for teachers is how they are going to use these tools solely for academic purposes. For example; if a teacher creates a blog for a class to use, the blog can be viewed by anyone and anyone can leave comments on the blog. This can lead to undesirable use of the blog in a way that is not conducive to learning. Teachers must be careful when implementing the tools in their classrooms.