Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Unit plan
Well. It is time to do the unit plan. Honestly, I have no idea where to start. Hopefully I will figure it out and complete it in a timely manner.
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Webquest
Finally finished the webquest project! It actually wasn't as bad as I thought it was going to be. Although, I am not sure how I did on it. It definately helped me to understand wikis a little bit better and how they work. I learned how to create links in the wikis and how to create other pages. I loved how easy it was to navigate the links, place them, etc. Furthermore, I learned more about how Wikis can be shared with others. It is pretty neat having others see your work. Although it can be a bit intimidating.
Wikis could be a very useful tool in the classroom. I think Wikis would be a great way for peer evaluations, or even evaluations at a classroom level. A student could create a wiki, and the class could view it and evaluate it as a whole. Wikis are pretty easy to navigate, and the site pretty much spells everything out for you. This is the technology I like to use: easy and to the point.
Wikis could be a very useful tool in the classroom. I think Wikis would be a great way for peer evaluations, or even evaluations at a classroom level. A student could create a wiki, and the class could view it and evaluate it as a whole. Wikis are pretty easy to navigate, and the site pretty much spells everything out for you. This is the technology I like to use: easy and to the point.
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Assistive technology
Reading through the discussion board this week; there are some really neat assistive technology programs. The one I chose is called Write: OutLoud. It is a program that uses audio to "say" what the user is writing. I thought this would be great for learning phonological awareness. It helps the student here why the word is spelled the way it is. Plus, there are several words in the English language that sound completely unlike how they are spelled. Ex: knife.
There were also some programs mentioned for audio spellcheckers. This is a great idea as well. Many people have a hard time spelling, so this would definately help them learn the proper way.
There were also some programs mentioned for audio spellcheckers. This is a great idea as well. Many people have a hard time spelling, so this would definately help them learn the proper way.
Sunday, November 21, 2010
Wiki url
Here is my wiki url. I still need to add everything...
http://teachingprekaboutbodies.pbworks.com/w/page/32873891/FrontPage
http://teachingprekaboutbodies.pbworks.com/w/page/32873891/FrontPage
Friday, November 19, 2010
Thursday, November 18, 2010
My opinon of Elluminate
I was skeptical at first, but I am honestly impressed. I think that this is the coolest thing I have come across since beginning this class. It it is completely interactive. I like how people can post to the little chat box in the corner, they can "applaud", and they can even participate in polls. I was a little freaked out about how the speaker can open new windows on your computer. It is pretty neat, to say the least. I liked how at the end there was a questions and answers section. The one big pro, of course, is that you can reach people in different countries. This is especially helpful for me since I live in Germany.
The one con I noticed is that it may be a bit too interactive. During this particular seminar, someone was drawing on the screen. So while the presenter was trying to deliver their powerpoint, you saw scribbling over the words. This was very rude, but could have been on accident. The only other downfall I can really see is that you can't really judge someone's feelings over the internet. Seeing her body movement on stage may get the point across better than just hearing her. There was a video up of her in the beginning, but it disappeared. I think there was a technical problem. This could be another con. It is the internet and things could go wrong.
Overall I do think it is great technology and can be very useful. Teachers could definately use this with their students. It would be kind of cool if our blackboard was set up in this way. This would be great, especially for discussion boards. It is hard to hold up a discussion, because to me it just feels like writing in a diary or something. Yes there are other people responding, but they are responding at all different times. I think all the elluminate could do is add to education, not take away from it.
The one con I noticed is that it may be a bit too interactive. During this particular seminar, someone was drawing on the screen. So while the presenter was trying to deliver their powerpoint, you saw scribbling over the words. This was very rude, but could have been on accident. The only other downfall I can really see is that you can't really judge someone's feelings over the internet. Seeing her body movement on stage may get the point across better than just hearing her. There was a video up of her in the beginning, but it disappeared. I think there was a technical problem. This could be another con. It is the internet and things could go wrong.
Overall I do think it is great technology and can be very useful. Teachers could definately use this with their students. It would be kind of cool if our blackboard was set up in this way. This would be great, especially for discussion boards. It is hard to hold up a discussion, because to me it just feels like writing in a diary or something. Yes there are other people responding, but they are responding at all different times. I think all the elluminate could do is add to education, not take away from it.
Elluminate!
The Elluminate seminar I watched was called, A kids eye view of an innovative classroom. The speaker is Adora Svitak, who is just 11 years old. The original air date was May 14, 2009.
The speaker, despite her young age, is both a student and a teacher. This is what caught my interest in the first place. She wrote her first book at the age of 7, and she speaks to large groups of teachers, administrators, etc quite often. She likes to you webinars so that she can reach people that are in other countries or cannot attend her seminars.
She spoke about what interests young people in the classroom. Many of her topics were interesting and they made a lot of sense. She said that children usually like to use what they learn, and their learning assignment should have a clear purpose. She suggested that students keep blogs so that they can showcase what they have learned. Writing assignments should be approached by different perspectives. This widens the information that will be gained.
What she also mentioned, which I thought was interesting, was to introduce new words by creating a poem. The poem does not have the word in it, yet it describes the word throughout. It really seems like a great idea. She said one way to gain a child's interest is to use the "gross" factor. Find things to do with the children that they would normally find gross or disgusting. This will gain their interest and usually keep it for a period of time. She also suggested approaching learning by playing make believe, using food, or letting the child be in control.
Overall this seminar was pretty good. I was amazed at how a child could have so much knowledge. It was cool, because she is both the student and the teacher. She can deliver from both perspectives. I would be interested in hearing more of her seminars.
https://sas.elluminate.com/site/external/event/playback
The speaker, despite her young age, is both a student and a teacher. This is what caught my interest in the first place. She wrote her first book at the age of 7, and she speaks to large groups of teachers, administrators, etc quite often. She likes to you webinars so that she can reach people that are in other countries or cannot attend her seminars.
She spoke about what interests young people in the classroom. Many of her topics were interesting and they made a lot of sense. She said that children usually like to use what they learn, and their learning assignment should have a clear purpose. She suggested that students keep blogs so that they can showcase what they have learned. Writing assignments should be approached by different perspectives. This widens the information that will be gained.
What she also mentioned, which I thought was interesting, was to introduce new words by creating a poem. The poem does not have the word in it, yet it describes the word throughout. It really seems like a great idea. She said one way to gain a child's interest is to use the "gross" factor. Find things to do with the children that they would normally find gross or disgusting. This will gain their interest and usually keep it for a period of time. She also suggested approaching learning by playing make believe, using food, or letting the child be in control.
Overall this seminar was pretty good. I was amazed at how a child could have so much knowledge. It was cool, because she is both the student and the teacher. She can deliver from both perspectives. I would be interested in hearing more of her seminars.
https://sas.elluminate.com/site/external/event/playback
Powerpoint
I enjoyed working on the powerpoint. Powerpoints have always been my favorite tasks in school. I think they allow me to be creative. I was a bit disappointed though this time around, because I was not able to individualize every slide. I don't know if it was the particular version I was using or I just couldn't figure it out. So, that was kind of a bummer. Adding the youtube video was a p.i.t.a. It took me like 10 tries to get it. I finally figured it out though...thank goodness. I may have to upload it again to slideshare though because the video seems stuck. It does work on my powerpoint though, so I don't know what's going on.
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Head, shoulders, knees, and toes
Check out this SlideShare Presentation:
I think it is pretty neat how you can easily embed the slideshare into blogger. However, it took me forever and a day to embed the youtube video into the powerpoint. I was so frustrated. I finally figured it out though, so hopefully it works.
For some reason the video won't work in slideshare. I have tried to re-upload the powerpoint, but it still won't work. It works fine in powerpoint. I can send you the file if you'd like.
I think it is pretty neat how you can easily embed the slideshare into blogger. However, it took me forever and a day to embed the youtube video into the powerpoint. I was so frustrated. I finally figured it out though, so hopefully it works.
For some reason the video won't work in slideshare. I have tried to re-upload the powerpoint, but it still won't work. It works fine in powerpoint. I can send you the file if you'd like.
Sunday, November 14, 2010
Podcast
Making Use of Blogging, Podcasting, and Wikis in the MFL Classroom by Joe Dale
Integrating ICT into the MFL classroom
This podcast discussed blogs, podcasts, and wikis. There were a few points that stood out to me about each subject.
When the speaker talked about blogs, he reminded his audience how we used to use floppy discs. Of course, technology has come very far since then. He mentioned that social networking is a very important part of everyone's life, and that nearly everyone has a Facebook, Myspace, or other social networking account. At his schoo, they use blogs to motivate students. He considers a blog sort of an online diary or publishing site. He said it allows students to follow up on or extend work. Blogs open the doors for thousands to share, and this entices the students.
He moved on to speak about podcasts. In short, he described podcasts as a way to record and publish audio online. He explained how podcasts are made. The student uses either an MP3 recorder or a microphone to record their podcast. They then go to a site called Audacity to create their podcast. He explained that it really is a simple task, and the programs on that site make it easy to use.
Lastly he spoke of wikis. Wikis allow you to be collaborative and to assess your peers. Wikis are essentially policed by the students, and they can stay on top of eachother's work. Wikis are interactive, and thus very beneficial in the classroom. The particular school being talked about uses wikis in the classroom for students to submit their homework assignments. He said it creates sort of an online community. Furthermore, it helps the weaker students learn, and ensures that students stay on top of their homework.
Overall I found this podcast to be very useful. It gave me ideas of how to incorporate these things into the classroom. I love the idea of using wikis for homework. All of the students can see who has and who hasn't done their work. Therefore, if someone hasn't done the work, it may drive the others to ask why. This opens up the doorway for group work and helping one another out. The blogs are definately a great idea as well. I think the podcasts would be cool to incorporate. Students could record their presentations, and they could be listened to by the classroom via podcast. It would allow the students to hear and evaluate themselves. This would help them decide what they did well on and what needs improvement.
I chose this podcast, because it seemed to cover all aspects of technology in the classroom. I am still new to all of this, so I really wanted to educate myself. I would recommend this podcast. The speaker gives great examples, and he even gives step by step instructions on how to do some things. I always thought a podcast would be hard to do, but once he explained it, it seemed so much easier. The only negative thing I found with this podcast is that the speaker has a bit of an accent, so some parts are a little difficult to understand. I really enjoyed it.
Integrating ICT into the MFL classroom
This podcast discussed blogs, podcasts, and wikis. There were a few points that stood out to me about each subject.
When the speaker talked about blogs, he reminded his audience how we used to use floppy discs. Of course, technology has come very far since then. He mentioned that social networking is a very important part of everyone's life, and that nearly everyone has a Facebook, Myspace, or other social networking account. At his schoo, they use blogs to motivate students. He considers a blog sort of an online diary or publishing site. He said it allows students to follow up on or extend work. Blogs open the doors for thousands to share, and this entices the students.
He moved on to speak about podcasts. In short, he described podcasts as a way to record and publish audio online. He explained how podcasts are made. The student uses either an MP3 recorder or a microphone to record their podcast. They then go to a site called Audacity to create their podcast. He explained that it really is a simple task, and the programs on that site make it easy to use.
Lastly he spoke of wikis. Wikis allow you to be collaborative and to assess your peers. Wikis are essentially policed by the students, and they can stay on top of eachother's work. Wikis are interactive, and thus very beneficial in the classroom. The particular school being talked about uses wikis in the classroom for students to submit their homework assignments. He said it creates sort of an online community. Furthermore, it helps the weaker students learn, and ensures that students stay on top of their homework.
Overall I found this podcast to be very useful. It gave me ideas of how to incorporate these things into the classroom. I love the idea of using wikis for homework. All of the students can see who has and who hasn't done their work. Therefore, if someone hasn't done the work, it may drive the others to ask why. This opens up the doorway for group work and helping one another out. The blogs are definately a great idea as well. I think the podcasts would be cool to incorporate. Students could record their presentations, and they could be listened to by the classroom via podcast. It would allow the students to hear and evaluate themselves. This would help them decide what they did well on and what needs improvement.
I chose this podcast, because it seemed to cover all aspects of technology in the classroom. I am still new to all of this, so I really wanted to educate myself. I would recommend this podcast. The speaker gives great examples, and he even gives step by step instructions on how to do some things. I always thought a podcast would be hard to do, but once he explained it, it seemed so much easier. The only negative thing I found with this podcast is that the speaker has a bit of an accent, so some parts are a little difficult to understand. I really enjoyed it.
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
Group webquest evaluations
Well, it is finally complete! I am glad we were able to collaborate, and I am thankful for the group mate who took on the responsibility of writing up the final paper. I am glad it worked out, but I am also glad it is over. It certainly didn't change my opinion of group work. Maybe one day I will like it, but for now I am still not a big fan.
As for the Webquests; they are pretty interesting. I think Webquests can make group work a little easier, because the Webquest lists out all of the requirements, who does what, what is expected at the end, etc. It is kind of like a checklist. I think it helps to see it written out for all group members to see. I also like that an evaluation was included, so that the guidelines are there.
I can use what I learned to create my own future Webquest. I now have a general idea of what a Webquest looks like and how it helps with group work. I especially know what not to do after doing the evaluations. It is important to remember that these Webquests are public, and others will be judging your work.
As for the Webquests; they are pretty interesting. I think Webquests can make group work a little easier, because the Webquest lists out all of the requirements, who does what, what is expected at the end, etc. It is kind of like a checklist. I think it helps to see it written out for all group members to see. I also like that an evaluation was included, so that the guidelines are there.
I can use what I learned to create my own future Webquest. I now have a general idea of what a Webquest looks like and how it helps with group work. I especially know what not to do after doing the evaluations. It is important to remember that these Webquests are public, and others will be judging your work.
Software evaluations
It was quite interesting viewing and rating different software programs. I really enjoyed the ones that let you "test drive" them first. It amazed me how many of these companies expected you to purchase their product without any information except that in which they gave you. Some of the games were pretty neat and informational. However, one that I came across actually had spelling errors. I was shocked, to say the least. Overall it was an interesting project.
Sunday, November 7, 2010
Zoho Writer/ Google Docs comparisons
Overall, Zoho Writer was easier for me to use. I genuinely liked it, but I will probably just stick with Word since that is what I am used to. It was neat discovering applications that I have never used before.
zoho-google-docs-eval
zoho-google-docs-eval
Saturday, November 6, 2010
Wiki
I don't know what it is, but I just can't bring myself to do this assignment. I looked up stuff and found resources, but I just feel lost. I mean, I get the concept, but I just can't "do" it. Not really sure why. I guess I just never thought of Wiki as a credible source, so to create one/contribute to one is really weird for me. Not sure what to do.
Monday, November 1, 2010
Group Work
There is a reason why I don't like group work, particularly online. It seems like things just don't seem to come together. I really hope we are able to get this done....
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