Saturday, July 23, 2011
Thing 9---The Blog
I spent a fair amount of time viewing SlideShare, feeling like a kid who made ANOTHER new discovery (the first one was Google Docs). It was not difficult to embed the slide show, but I didn't see an option to restrict related URLs like the example in our moodle. Is that unusual or did I miss something?
Well, anyway, I think this is an excellent tool for a teacher to illustrate a lesson in any subject. However, if students were to use this, they would obviously need prior knowledge to know HOW to use it because there just isn't enough time to learn those skills in the regular classroom.
The basic skills we've used in Web 2.0 should really be part of the Computer/Tech class. (Does anyone know if these things are taught?) Individual accounts could be set up and students could practice accessing the different 'tech tools' so they COULD be implemented in the classroom. Of course, these activities would be geared for the upper elementary, middle school, or high school levels and should be supervised to avoid inappropriate material.
Well, anyway, I think this is an excellent tool for a teacher to illustrate a lesson in any subject. However, if students were to use this, they would obviously need prior knowledge to know HOW to use it because there just isn't enough time to learn those skills in the regular classroom.
The basic skills we've used in Web 2.0 should really be part of the Computer/Tech class. (Does anyone know if these things are taught?) Individual accounts could be set up and students could practice accessing the different 'tech tools' so they COULD be implemented in the classroom. Of course, these activities would be geared for the upper elementary, middle school, or high school levels and should be supervised to avoid inappropriate material.
Friday, July 22, 2011
Thing 8
Google Docs offer so many options! It was interesting to check it out and amusing to create new documents---even drawing with color! I can see students using this tool to create their own presentations. And . . . isn't teaching something like learning it twice? (sound familiar?) Personally, I would like to use it for record keeping and perhaps as a daily planner.
Online documents seem like a good thing, making them easily accessible from other computers, and acting as a back-up system---especially if your own computer is having a problem or 'crashes'. However, I understand that students may not have internet at home or it may not be available in certain areas.
Online documents seem like a good thing, making them easily accessible from other computers, and acting as a back-up system---especially if your own computer is having a problem or 'crashes'. However, I understand that students may not have internet at home or it may not be available in certain areas.
Saturday, July 16, 2011
Thing 7
Social bookmarking is completely new to me. However, after reading and viewing about it, I can see how useful this could be. The organization is the first thing that impresses me. To be efficient and effective, a person needs to be organized and here is a tool that serves that purpose. Secondly, the sharing of various sites among teachers expands the list of available resources for everyone. Another way of getting teachers to collaborate!
It seems like social bookmarking could also be used to help students. If a student is struggling, specific websites could be set up for them to view and/or work on that could help them grasp important concepts. And, of course, they could do take this at their own pace, repeating if necessary. Certain websites could be set up for research as well. This would guide students to reliable sources.
It seems like social bookmarking could also be used to help students. If a student is struggling, specific websites could be set up for them to view and/or work on that could help them grasp important concepts. And, of course, they could do take this at their own pace, repeating if necessary. Certain websites could be set up for research as well. This would guide students to reliable sources.
Sunday, July 3, 2011
Thing 4
Wow! Have I been living in a cave? Well, it seemed I was computer literate: I have sent emails, composed written work on Microsoft Word, viewed youtube & Facebook, looked up links and researched topics; in addition, I've copied, cut, and pasted when appropriate. But, after reading and viewing the slides about Web 2.0, I feel like I've really been 'out of it'!
What was I missing? The interaction that Web 2.0 offers in contributing and collaborating with others. This presents a whole new dimension in computer usage (at least for me). Yes, we can glean knowledge and wisdom through others' research and experience---AND others can learn through us! Furthermore, educators are able to collaborate to enhance their subject area and integrate learning across the board.
So not only could we benefit, but since our 'digital natives' are growing up with this technology, learning in different ways from our traditional education, doesn't it make sense to say that education needs to change to accommodate these changes?
I have already recognized a need for education to change in several areas. Well, we need to utilize this valuable resource. On a more personal level---I have a lot to learn! Yes, let's get into 21st century teaching and learning!
OK---Web 2.0 encourages collaboration. I've seen examples of how this learning plays out in the classroom. For math, students have worked together in small groups to solve problems where everyone is encouraged to participate. When it is time to share their step-by-step solution with the class, students can see and learn several different approaches to the same problem. No longer do 1 or 2 students come up with all the answers; everyone can have a part. And when students are actively engaged, learning is more likely to 'stick' with them. (Kudos for Monroe Public Schools and any others for this progressive teaching method.)
Think of the scope of learning when there are 'countless' people interacting with one another! Teachers, we need to learn how to implement this tool (Web 2.0) to enhance our skills and stay current with the explosion of knowledge. Then we can teach our students to use it efficiently so that they will have the skills to live and work in the 21st century. (Am I grasping the essence of Web 2.0 and this class?)
What was I missing? The interaction that Web 2.0 offers in contributing and collaborating with others. This presents a whole new dimension in computer usage (at least for me). Yes, we can glean knowledge and wisdom through others' research and experience---AND others can learn through us! Furthermore, educators are able to collaborate to enhance their subject area and integrate learning across the board.
So not only could we benefit, but since our 'digital natives' are growing up with this technology, learning in different ways from our traditional education, doesn't it make sense to say that education needs to change to accommodate these changes?
I have already recognized a need for education to change in several areas. Well, we need to utilize this valuable resource. On a more personal level---I have a lot to learn! Yes, let's get into 21st century teaching and learning!
OK---Web 2.0 encourages collaboration. I've seen examples of how this learning plays out in the classroom. For math, students have worked together in small groups to solve problems where everyone is encouraged to participate. When it is time to share their step-by-step solution with the class, students can see and learn several different approaches to the same problem. No longer do 1 or 2 students come up with all the answers; everyone can have a part. And when students are actively engaged, learning is more likely to 'stick' with them. (Kudos for Monroe Public Schools and any others for this progressive teaching method.)
Think of the scope of learning when there are 'countless' people interacting with one another! Teachers, we need to learn how to implement this tool (Web 2.0) to enhance our skills and stay current with the explosion of knowledge. Then we can teach our students to use it efficiently so that they will have the skills to live and work in the 21st century. (Am I grasping the essence of Web 2.0 and this class?)
Saturday, July 2, 2011
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