CED0550 week 2

I'm really enjoying this course.  In our class last week we had small break out sessions where we had several roles within the group.  Each of us had to be a participant, a reporter (took notes on the whiteboard), and the facilitator.  It was interesting to use Elluminate as a facilitator.  I'm used to being a participant, but lots to look at as a facilitator.  I really enjoyed this and decided I need to set up sessions in my Vroom to practice this skill.

Then we learned some of the different types of online learning - synchronous and asynchronous.  Many of the ideas are the same principle as a traditional room, but the implementation is different due to the situation.  Online learning has the added challenge no body language.  We also set up an initial contact as if we were online facilitators.  Again some similarities, but than new challenges such as the technology.

Some of what makes this course interesting is that everything is new.

CED0550 week 1

This has been a good week of discovery.  In our first class we got to explore the tools of being a moderator in Elluminate.  That was interesting after a year of being the student.  I'd like to fine tune those skills, so I'm going to have to arrange some meetings in my Vroom with friends.  I could have done so prior to this course, but I guess I hadn't thought of it.

The articles in regards to online learning from the teachers', students', and parents' point of view were interesting.  I hadn't thought about the technology courses I took in my undergrad program.  The only technology course I had was in the spec. ed. part of my degree.  Just like our students, we shouldn't assume that anyone can just start using technology, and more importantly, using it correctly.  Technology is a skill to be taught and learned, just like reading, math, science, etc.  Is the problem with teaching technology to teachers, because it's constantly evolving and changing.

One of my favorite sites was the National Library of Virtual Learning.  This site provides students the opportunity to do hands on activities using manipulatives, without the constant mess on the floor.  Many of the tools in the number and operations site are tools I already physically use.  I like the patterns and graphing in particular.  I plan on using both this week in my classes.

CED0535 week 5

This week we created a classroom site.  I began mine as the new school year began, but this assignment forced me to finish it.  As I created mine, I had to keep in mind “how much information will I realistically be able to keep current?”  There are so many possibilities with a classroom website, but I also believe you can start something with good intentions and then it just becomes too much, which then leads to it being left unattended to.  Our district moved over to gmail last year, so I’ll be able to realistically use this site. 

We also explored additional web 2.0 tools.  I wrote about Draw.to and Twistynoodle.  Draw.to is a doodling site.  On this site you can create a picture and then publish it.  It can be sent to various programs.  Twistynoodle is a site where you can find coloring pages and worksheets and then customize them.  No more cutting and pasting.    

CED0535 week 4

This week was about podcasting.  Podcasting isn’t a new concept to me because I had previously created some.  However, screencasting on the Internet was.  In the past I used Garageband on my Mac and downloaded the podcast into iTunes.  It’s easy, but so was using Screenr.  In screenr I created a screencast using the same States of Matter test I had already created in Garageband to compare the two programs.  I really like Screenr.com.  It’s very easy to use.  Garageband is just as user friendly, but then I have to download it into iTunes.  I didn’t have to do that with screenr.com.  With screenr you get a box that is easy to manipulate around what you would like shown, click on audio, and record.  It’s easy to pause so that you are able to insert another image.  Once it’s done, click on publish and you’re done.  It does take a while to publish.  You are given a 5 minute time limit, but it does show the time used so you know how long your screencast is.

I like the idea of screencasts.  I have a challenging group this year.  If I were to create a screencast.  It could play for the students and I could walk around and see if they are understanding or following along.   I also like the idea of students creating screencasts.  They could read their own work or it could be used to check their fluency.  Screenr is a program I’ll use again.

CED0535 week 3

This week we learned about RSS Feeds.  RSS Feeds are easy to use and easy to subscribe to.  I have already set up 7, and can see using this in the future.  I will be able to subscribe to resources, blogs, periodicals that will provide me with specific information.  I’m still in the market for a camera.  I’ve spent a lot of time researching information.  Now with RSS feeds I can subscribe to key words and have the information appear in my public reader.  I think this will really cut down on my research time.  It will provide me with information and resources I might not have located on my own, without RSS feeds.

Currently my students don’t have access to email, but there is talk of it coming.  Once they have email they will be able to set up a public reader.  I can see them subscribing to RSS feeds for research projects.  In doing so, they can spend less time looking up information and more time reading through information.  This will provide them with an opportunity for a more quantitative research project.  

CED0535 week 2

We continued to explore blogs, and now Wikis.  I really like Wikis.  What I like about Wikis are many of the same features that you can do in blogs, but I tend to think Wikis look more “professional.”  As we continue to explore it appears blogs and Wikis are very similar.  Maybe the difference really is in how they are used overall.  Something I like about Wikis is the ability to see the history of changes made and work added or created, just like Google Docs.  I see this as a valuable tool.  One thing that I’m still uneasy about with Wikis is that, “accidents” can happen.  Since the user is changing, editing, or adding to a live “document” I’m uneasy about the possibility of students, or even adults for that matter, deleting someone else’s work.  There may be a way to solve this issue that I am unaware of at this time.  Other than that I see Wiki’s being used in various capacities in the educational setting.  Some examples are teachers can use it to collaborate with students or peers;  or Wikis can be created for students as a portfolio of their own work. 

I also started a Twitter account.  Something I NEVER thought I’d ever have, a Twitter Account.  How do you see yourself using it in an academic setting?

CED0535 week 1 Blogging

This week was all about blogging.  Blogging presents so many possibilities both with students and myself as a professional.  Some benefits of blogging are quick and instant assessments.  Students can create work and I as the teacher can respond immediately.  In addition students can assess each other’s work, and work collaboratively.  I think one of the challenges we as educators will face is getting students on board using blogging in a different way.  I know they will like the technology and the tools, but really have you seen the grammar?  The challenge will be getting them to break the “texting” habits on line.  Once we break through that, I believe they will be excited about it.  Then there are parents, the parents will finally see all the work their older children never bring home to show them.

Blogging can be used across the curriculum.  It can be used in younger grades to make sentences, spelling tests, writing projects, daily journal writing, to name just a few.  Older students could use blogging for any type of research project or writing assignment.

As a professional the possibilities are endless.  We can record and share our challenges and successes.  By doing this in a blog, I can have access to it anywhere and anytime.  It’s nice to look back and see how much you’ve grown.  In addition, by blogging others can provide feedback.  We can share resources and collaborate online.  I am currently in the process of creating a classroom website.  It takes some time to create, but once it’s done it will be nice to have.