Thursday, June 28, 2012
Friday, June 22, 2012
Visual Learning
In the previous two posts, visual learning tools were used to communicate in different ways. I think that these are wonderful tools to incorporate in the classroom because they stray from the norm.
The speaking avatar creates this new dimension in learning and would be seemingly appropriate to grab the attention of children. Given a specific topic and grade level, the avatar can be altered to present information in an applicable setting and form. In my classroom, I would use the avatar to add a little life to a simple speech. An example is to use a snippet of history retold by Abraham Lincoln but personalize it to hold their attention.
I liked the visual learning poster because I can see endless possibilities of its use. With the capability to easily add images, voice, video, text and effects, this tool is unlike any I’ve encountered thus far. In an education environment, not only would I use it to present information, but I would really love to have students present projects through this. When given the same platform and tools, students’ creative and unique minds create distinguishing and innovative results. As a technology buff, there’s nothing more I would look forward to seeing than a new outcome every time.
The speaking avatar creates this new dimension in learning and would be seemingly appropriate to grab the attention of children. Given a specific topic and grade level, the avatar can be altered to present information in an applicable setting and form. In my classroom, I would use the avatar to add a little life to a simple speech. An example is to use a snippet of history retold by Abraham Lincoln but personalize it to hold their attention.
I liked the visual learning poster because I can see endless possibilities of its use. With the capability to easily add images, voice, video, text and effects, this tool is unlike any I’ve encountered thus far. In an education environment, not only would I use it to present information, but I would really love to have students present projects through this. When given the same platform and tools, students’ creative and unique minds create distinguishing and innovative results. As a technology buff, there’s nothing more I would look forward to seeing than a new outcome every time.
Friday, June 15, 2012
Wednesday, June 13, 2012
Survey
For question #1, I asked how often the survey taker depended on spell check. With technology integration in classes and spell check included as a standard element in almost every software, the basic principles of spelling and vocabulary can be deemed almost redundant. The results of the survey showed that spell check is used not every day, but once in a while by 100% of all survey takers.
For question #2, I asked if the survey taker thought there could be such a thing as too much technology in a classroom. As we move towards technology integration, I wondered if there may be a point in which technology takes precedence over most, if not all, subjects, and what the repercussions could be. The results showed 25% answered yes, 25% answered no, and 50% answered maybe.
For question #3, I asked at which grade level the survey taker felt technology should be introduced to students. With the popularity and availability of smart phones, Ipods, and Ipads, it is not uncommon to see a toddler accessing and using applications on a mobile device. I wondered if this had more of a positive or negative effect on child development. Results of the survey showed that the introduction of technology should happen early on from kindergarten to first grade.
For question #4, I asked what main skill or characteristic is needed in order to feel comfortable with technology. As a computer literacy instructor, I find that typically people can be hesitant about learning new technology so it made me wonder what skills need to be instilled in order to get past that barrier. The results showed that the main characteristics that would be helpful are basic computer knowledge and awareness, common sense, willingness to try new things, and not being afraid to learn.
For question #5, I asked what subjects the survey taker wished his/her teacher had incorporated technology into. Results revealed that at the beginning of their education, Math, Science and Language Arts were subjects where technology was desirable.
Friday, June 8, 2012
Google Sharing
As a society that thrives on connectedness to our personal and impersonal world, we look towards the World Wide Web to remain updated, maintain communication and share and obtain knowledge to the point where we have created one, if not many, digital identities based on this. Google is ever present in the management of these digital lifestyles. As educators, it is imperative to stay on top of trends and harness communication tools that can make learning and sharing as easy as possible for students.
In an educational environment, Google Docs is ideal as a collaboration tool. One of its distinguishing features is allowing more than one person to edit files simultaneously. Below is a presentation that each individual in my class contributed one slide to in regard to education software.
This tool provides a remarkably easy way to manage projects whether it is a Microsoft Word, PowerPoint or Excel document. Instead of different copies of one document floating around, there is one central location where the document is accessed and any changes thereafter are saved to. I currently teach Adult Basic Education and Computer Literacy classes, and the way I see Google Docs being implemented in my classroom is as continuous building of resources. I have non-traditional students with skill levels typically varying from 2nd to 6th grade. Based on initial assessments, I would place students in groups and have them add something new they learned each week, thereby sharing with peers at their own level. This not only helps them learn from each other but empowers them to teach each other.
Standard: Communication and Collaboration
In an educational environment, Google Docs is ideal as a collaboration tool. One of its distinguishing features is allowing more than one person to edit files simultaneously. Below is a presentation that each individual in my class contributed one slide to in regard to education software.
This tool provides a remarkably easy way to manage projects whether it is a Microsoft Word, PowerPoint or Excel document. Instead of different copies of one document floating around, there is one central location where the document is accessed and any changes thereafter are saved to. I currently teach Adult Basic Education and Computer Literacy classes, and the way I see Google Docs being implemented in my classroom is as continuous building of resources. I have non-traditional students with skill levels typically varying from 2nd to 6th grade. Based on initial assessments, I would place students in groups and have them add something new they learned each week, thereby sharing with peers at their own level. This not only helps them learn from each other but empowers them to teach each other.
Standard: Communication and Collaboration
Friday, June 1, 2012
Education is here
One of the things I've learned in my years of having a digital lifestyle is that the World Wide Web allows you access to exactly that, the world. Before it was so easily accessible, how did we share our experiences with someone we've never met thousands of miles away? We really didn't. Now, it's done a million times over every second. Blogging allows the opportunity to share things with others who have the same interests as you and in doing so, a common learning ground is established.
In the educational arena, teaching methods are always evolving to meet the needs and abilities of present day students. For teachers, this means we can't be scared of the ever evolving technology trends. A blog I stumbled upon is Durff's Blog. The introductory quote, "The next best thing to be wise oneself is to live in a circle of those who are- CS Lewis". That's exactly what intuitive blogging can be: we share, we learn, we implement. There never is harm in exploring.
In the educational arena, teaching methods are always evolving to meet the needs and abilities of present day students. For teachers, this means we can't be scared of the ever evolving technology trends. A blog I stumbled upon is Durff's Blog. The introductory quote, "The next best thing to be wise oneself is to live in a circle of those who are- CS Lewis". That's exactly what intuitive blogging can be: we share, we learn, we implement. There never is harm in exploring.
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