Last class was an introduction to the RSS feed. The RSS feed is for updating new information on a blog. One way to use the RSS feed is to keep all the information on a blig organzized. All the interests one might have can be kept intact by using the RSS feed (i.e. del.icio.us) All this blog information can get a bit overwhelming. With the aid of RSS feeds, all the information for my students can be kept in an organized and easy access formation.
The blog itself is a way to keep people from all over the globe connected; however, RSS feeds can engage an even wider range of communication. Even last class when the "43 things" was brought up, someone can look at other peoples "43 things" and in a way get in contact with them. It was interesting to see what things people in the world, from all over the world, want to do with their lives. This is only one example, but these RSS feeds can keep my students intrigued. Perhaps, they can look up information on a book they just read. With RSS feeds, looking into that book, they can come up with other detials, information, and ideas about that book that maybe they didn't know, realize, or hear in class.
On the personal sense as a teacher, the RSS feed can allow myself to give quick feedback to my students wthether on their interests or whatever it is that is going on in class. Clearly, there are endless ways that the RSS feeds can be used!
Wednesday, February 28, 2007
Education Buys a Life!
My Mom did not attend college. My father only took a couple of classes, because in order to become a sergeant he needed a certain amount of college credits. We are not poor, we are not rich. After my parents had graduated high school it was perfectly fine to not attend college and obtain a decent paying job.
Today...EVERYONE NEEDS COLLEGE. As time keeps progressing, it seems as though we are entering an age where EVERYONE NEEDS A MASTERS. In 50 years or so, are we all going to need a Phd to get a decent job?
Friedman, of course, would state that technology is becoming a dominant force in the college world-- we can see this for ourselves! I think Friedman would say that teaching kids technology early in the educational lifespan will only benefit them more later in life when they do enter the college world.
Today...EVERYONE NEEDS COLLEGE. As time keeps progressing, it seems as though we are entering an age where EVERYONE NEEDS A MASTERS. In 50 years or so, are we all going to need a Phd to get a decent job?
Friedman, of course, would state that technology is becoming a dominant force in the college world-- we can see this for ourselves! I think Friedman would say that teaching kids technology early in the educational lifespan will only benefit them more later in life when they do enter the college world.
Learning Less?
I think at times educational classes, maybe even schools, lack what is to be really taught to students. Whether students are learning less, I don't know if I completely, 100% agree with that; however, sometimes I think the teaching goes in the wrong direction. For instance, why is it that the Northeast is such a powerhouse in intelligence as opposed to the Midwest? What are we doing that they are not? I think sometimes it is hard to judge what students are learning/ whether they are leanring more or less in a general sense. Many of the big time tests given in high schools (The Regents Exams in select states, SAT's, etc.) look for very specific information. A student can be highly intelligent in my eyes, yet not do so spectacular on the SAT's. Sometimes tests do not say all.
http://nancykeane.com/rss.html
Being at this webpage makes me want to do this with all the books I've read! Her webpage really gives you some insight into many, many books. It made me think of that library page that Jami's group introduced to us. If that webpage were to add something like this along with the stars to show what kind of ratings each book got, it might make it a bit more popular and better in a way?
Good ol' Project iWeb-- You'll Be Missed!
I need to first say that I actually had fun partaking in the iWeb with
Barb and Theresa. I want to give a lot of credit to Theresa who really
knew her stuff with the computer and the designing of theiWeb itself!
Overall, it is relatively simple to create an iWeb
page-- simple enough to get decently good at and then teach your
students how to do. Like I said the night we presented, the one thing I
like most about making thisiWeb, and this can even go for the podcasts, wikis
, etc., is how it really brings that sense of unity to a classroom.
Sure, you can do group work in a classroom, but this is different.
Using the computer and figuring out how to put a page together, taking
pictures of each other and putting them up on a page, bringing what
other people have done onto the website, beats a group talking about a
book any day! I want a classroom where there isplentyyyyy of communication and involvement of every way possible. Using the new forms of technology, i.e. iWeb, is just the beginning to the goal in my classroom.
I didn't like the whole idea of all this technology coming into my
classroom and invading the conventional ways of learning in the English
classroom. But each new class that takes place makes me realize that it
doesn't have to be just one way or another. The conventional ways of
teaching and all this new technology can be intertwined to make a
unique, intriguing classroom that kids will love.
Barb and Theresa. I want to give a lot of credit to Theresa who really
knew her stuff with the computer and the designing of theiWeb itself!
Overall, it is relatively simple to create an iWeb
page-- simple enough to get decently good at and then teach your
students how to do. Like I said the night we presented, the one thing I
like most about making thisiWeb, and this can even go for the podcasts, wikis
, etc., is how it really brings that sense of unity to a classroom.
Sure, you can do group work in a classroom, but this is different.
Using the computer and figuring out how to put a page together, taking
pictures of each other and putting them up on a page, bringing what
other people have done onto the website, beats a group talking about a
book any day! I want a classroom where there isplentyyyyy of communication and involvement of every way possible. Using the new forms of technology, i.e. iWeb, is just the beginning to the goal in my classroom.
I didn't like the whole idea of all this technology coming into my
classroom and invading the conventional ways of learning in the English
classroom. But each new class that takes place makes me realize that it
doesn't have to be just one way or another. The conventional ways of
teaching and all this new technology can be intertwined to make a
unique, intriguing classroom that kids will love.
Virtual Schooling
Some college students here at Cortland have been exposed to the "online
class" effect. Before this article I did not realize how quickly this
new way of learning is spreading. Overall, I feel as though it has its
positives and negatives; I think this correlates with what kind of
person you are. I am a person that would rather have the conventional
ways of a classroom to acquire knowledge as opposed to getting it off
an online class. I need to have that teacher in front of me and be able
to be shown and thoroughly taught what is going on at times. I am more of a hands-on
learner- - perhaps more visual learners would be prone to learn this
way? Another thing is, the idea of doing some work at one point in
time, taking a break and coming back to it later in the day seems like
a great idea for some people; however, I know that i would personally
procrastinate this work and it may overwhelm/ suffocate me if I put it
off for too long if a time.
Overall, the article really made
me sit down and think about the future. Years and years ago, people
would have never thought of so much as a computer! Then as time
progressed, the thought of a classroom being held on the computer
wasn't even a thought neither! Now, this is all happening and it is
information like this that really makes you wonder.. what the heck is
next????
class" effect. Before this article I did not realize how quickly this
new way of learning is spreading. Overall, I feel as though it has its
positives and negatives; I think this correlates with what kind of
person you are. I am a person that would rather have the conventional
ways of a classroom to acquire knowledge as opposed to getting it off
an online class. I need to have that teacher in front of me and be able
to be shown and thoroughly taught what is going on at times. I am more of a hands-on
learner- - perhaps more visual learners would be prone to learn this
way? Another thing is, the idea of doing some work at one point in
time, taking a break and coming back to it later in the day seems like
a great idea for some people; however, I know that i would personally
procrastinate this work and it may overwhelm/ suffocate me if I put it
off for too long if a time.
Overall, the article really made
me sit down and think about the future. Years and years ago, people
would have never thought of so much as a computer! Then as time
progressed, the thought of a classroom being held on the computer
wasn't even a thought neither! Now, this is all happening and it is
information like this that really makes you wonder.. what the heck is
next????
Monday, February 19, 2007
Emerging Technology Trends
The article is true in stating how technology has, "opened the doors for almost anyone to become an author, a creator, or a filmmaker." This can be seen as inspirational for people who wish to share their writings, films, photos, etc. with people all over the world. Specifically for students this is does and can in fact allow for more creativity within themselves.
The article also touches on social networking. I enjoy knowing that Facebook and MySpace are not the only ways to take part in social networking!
Now, I would comment on more of this article but it will not allow me to see the second page! So I guess that is all I have for you guys...sorry!
The article also touches on social networking. I enjoy knowing that Facebook and MySpace are not the only ways to take part in social networking!
Now, I would comment on more of this article but it will not allow me to see the second page! So I guess that is all I have for you guys...sorry!
Certain Components in Michael Wesch's YouTube
The way in which I picked apart this YouTube. Short and sweet but absorbed.
"Digital text is different
more flexible
moveable
form and content inseparable.
can do better.
hello world!
blog born every half second
and it's not just text
we will organize all data
we are the web
we teach the machine.
Teaching the machine
the machine is us.
people sharing, trading, and collaborating."
"Digital text is different
more flexible
moveable
form and content inseparable.
can do better.
hello world!
blog born every half second
and it's not just text
we will organize all data
we are the web
we teach the machine.
Teaching the machine
the machine is us.
people sharing, trading, and collaborating."
Tuesday, February 13, 2007
The Webpage on 307
A quick recap on what is happening in the world of Theresa, Barb, and myself-- The webpage is coming along very well. We are meeting at 2 o' clock tomorrow before class,(if there is class considering this snow storm that seems to be hitting us hard thus far) and most likely we will be very close to finished tomorrow. We are looking forward to showing you all what has been coming along.
Learning from the "Unlearning Curve"
The 3 quotations I found most influential from the "Unlearning Curve" were as follows:
- "[...]that we are the sole content experts in the classroom, because we can now connect our kids to people who know far more than we do about the material we’re teaching."
-"We need to unlearn the idea that every student needs to learn the same content when really what they need to learn is how to self-direct their own learning."
-"We need to unlearn the premise that we know more than our kids, because in many cases, they can now be our teachers as well."
in reference to the first quotation, it made me think of what we were talking about in class the other night. A lot of statements in the "Unlearning Curve" did just that. Warlick at some point in his books states how technology, and most of all the computer, is the only advantage that students have over the teachers. The knowledge of technology is something in which the younger generation dominates. This idea goes hand in hand with the third quotation. Teachers these days ARE NOT (I can justify this idea) superior in the technological sense. In this respect, many times we can find that students can become the educators in the classroom. This should not be looked at in intimidating manner but rather a postive one.
- "[...]that we are the sole content experts in the classroom, because we can now connect our kids to people who know far more than we do about the material we’re teaching."
-"We need to unlearn the idea that every student needs to learn the same content when really what they need to learn is how to self-direct their own learning."
-"We need to unlearn the premise that we know more than our kids, because in many cases, they can now be our teachers as well."
in reference to the first quotation, it made me think of what we were talking about in class the other night. A lot of statements in the "Unlearning Curve" did just that. Warlick at some point in his books states how technology, and most of all the computer, is the only advantage that students have over the teachers. The knowledge of technology is something in which the younger generation dominates. This idea goes hand in hand with the third quotation. Teachers these days ARE NOT (I can justify this idea) superior in the technological sense. In this respect, many times we can find that students can become the educators in the classroom. This should not be looked at in intimidating manner but rather a postive one.
Laptops backwards is Spotpal
The fact that students will be receiving laptops is fantastic! My God though, that is a lot of money. Makes me wonder if they will recycle these laptops...graduating seniors will hand them over to incoming freshman? "The program also includes training to show the teacher how to use the technology in their classrooms."-- mmmmm veryyy reassuring!!!
NCTE Position Statement
I understand how a few of us in class the last week were arguing about how we feel the need to "make our students write a paper." I agreed when that discussion took place, and I simply feel it is because we do not want to lose the traditional ways of an English teacher. That concept is, in fact, terrifying to some of us; however, to many it seems as though that is already absorbing and is now dominating. Yes, I am scared to lose the traditional ways of the English teacher-- Reading Romeo & Juliet outloud is exactly what made me want to become an English teacher. The bottom line is, as NCTE states, "Today our students are living in a world that is increasingly non-printcentric."
This idea cannot be ignored. If this is the way to get out students to learn, and the way they will WANT to learn, then so be it. As future teachers it seems as though we need to be selfless and teach in the style that is appealing to kids. If MP3s, videos, visual art, graphics, etc. are the ways in which kids will learn then, once again, so be it. As the NCTE states, we must encourage, encourage, encourage, these ways.
This idea cannot be ignored. If this is the way to get out students to learn, and the way they will WANT to learn, then so be it. As future teachers it seems as though we need to be selfless and teach in the style that is appealing to kids. If MP3s, videos, visual art, graphics, etc. are the ways in which kids will learn then, once again, so be it. As the NCTE states, we must encourage, encourage, encourage, these ways.
Wednesday, February 7, 2007
Warlick
I checked out the webpage http://www.kidsclick.org/. The best thing about this site is that is a "websearch for kids by librarians." So, right off the bat it is a LEGITIMATE webpage for the kids to use. There is no doubt in a teacher's mind that if he/she tells his/her students about this search engine that his/her students with be obtaining accredited information. That is a weight off the shoulders of any teacher. As current students, we even know how there are thousands of useless websites out there because they pretty much contain bogus information.
At the bottom of this webpage I clicked on what the page looks like through a librarian's eyes, and it is set up in the Dewey Decimal System. That was pretty neat to see.
I then clicked on the sound search tools. That is pretty kewl because kids are able to hear things like nature sounds, human body sounds, national anthems of the world (that sounds very kewl to me), great speeches, history and politics outloud and much more. I like the idea that kids can hear politics...this option of Kidsclick allows kids to know what is actually going on in this chaotic world. It can keep them well informed if they decide to use it. Just wanted to blog about this webpage and give it props :)
At the bottom of this webpage I clicked on what the page looks like through a librarian's eyes, and it is set up in the Dewey Decimal System. That was pretty neat to see.
I then clicked on the sound search tools. That is pretty kewl because kids are able to hear things like nature sounds, human body sounds, national anthems of the world (that sounds very kewl to me), great speeches, history and politics outloud and much more. I like the idea that kids can hear politics...this option of Kidsclick allows kids to know what is actually going on in this chaotic world. It can keep them well informed if they decide to use it. Just wanted to blog about this webpage and give it props :)
Curriki
If there is anything that is able to somewhat unite teachers from all over the globe together, it definitely sounds like Curriki. This site made me think of LuLu in one respect- - the idea that everyone has some hidden talent. There are many, many creative teachers out there. By using Curriki, many ideas from teachers, ones to use and ones to definitely not use in the classroom, are now available. I think it is great that this is a website that is global and not just within the U.S. That is probably the kewlest part about it for me. I think someone should suggest this website to that sluggish teacher who wrote the blog "On the Reservation." (sorry still a little hostile about that!)
LuLu!
I just got done looking at this site... I think that is pretty kewl how someone doesn't need to go through a publishing company for people to have their books,calenders,images,music,videos, and artwork acknowledged. There is so much hidden talent out there that this could be a fantastic way to view or display it.
As for the classroom, this could be such a great way to get kids to want to put WHATEVER it is that they are interested online for people to see/hear. Some kids would rather play their guitar and make music than write a poem. I think this site is great because it could incorporate any student's likings. A class could decide what they want to do and then each other student could view what every other student put on LuLu and I see this as being a great way for kids to enjoy the classroom and the people in it as well. As for an english teacher, LuLu could give us the benefit of actually knowing what our students are into at the moment, finding a book that relates to their penchant(s), and having them read and enjoy reading on topics they enjoy.
As for the classroom, this could be such a great way to get kids to want to put WHATEVER it is that they are interested online for people to see/hear. Some kids would rather play their guitar and make music than write a poem. I think this site is great because it could incorporate any student's likings. A class could decide what they want to do and then each other student could view what every other student put on LuLu and I see this as being a great way for kids to enjoy the classroom and the people in it as well. As for an english teacher, LuLu could give us the benefit of actually knowing what our students are into at the moment, finding a book that relates to their penchant(s), and having them read and enjoy reading on topics they enjoy.
Tuesday, February 6, 2007
My Friend Leonard
Has anyone read A Million Little Pieces? If so, have you read My Friend Leonard? I know there was all the controversy about James Frey's first book, but if you put aside all that nonsense, I thought it/ they were damn good books. I had some tears strollin down my face on the second one! (don't tell anybody :) ) ok let me know. later kids
A Quick Comment on "On the Reservation"
Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh was my initial reaction. Here I am dyinggggg to be a teacher. I would give anything to be a teacher in the blink of an eye, and this woman is dreading going to work?? ahhhhhhhh! If she has no energy, my God those poor students! This woman should be seraching her butt off to find ideas and some more creativity to bring into the class room to promote some enthusiasm in herself and especially her students! She mentions certain ideas that she can do to improve her class atmosphere, I just hope she gets to it soon! Sorry for so many explanation points-- I was just kind of annoyed by this blog. How did you guys feel?
Plug it in, Plugging in.
I have many comments on Steve Johnson's Don't Fear the Digital. I love the part where he states how technology is absolutely not diminishing kids' face-to-face social skills. So many of my friends, on a personal level, use AOL's Instant Messaging. I don't know one of my friends that refuses to use it and I know many kids of the younger generation who do the same. This, for example, is an immediate way to converse with someone. Even though it is not verbal, there is probably more conversing going on through AIM than if the phone or the face-to-face meeting took place. Teenagers and even us college kids are going to socialize. There is definitely no doubt in that...I'm sure you ALL agree! Clearly Johnson is correct in saying teenagers are not using technology to substitute for real-world socialization, "they're using technology to augment it" (56).
Kids are in fact using the screen as a new tool which is fun for them, as stated before. With the world at their fingertips, they can explore, share, and shape their world. With all the creativtiy that goes into kids' MySpaces, blogs, webpages, etc. how can one say that their being dumbed down. Williams is absolutely correct in stating that their minds are being sharpened.
Kids are in fact using the screen as a new tool which is fun for them, as stated before. With the world at their fingertips, they can explore, share, and shape their world. With all the creativtiy that goes into kids' MySpaces, blogs, webpages, etc. how can one say that their being dumbed down. Williams is absolutely correct in stating that their minds are being sharpened.
Girl Power
A quick, little humorous intro to my blog on Girl Power- - Jen Willis is certainly not one of those girls that started out pretending to be a pirate and then became curious about makeup and fashion stuff! I don't know makeup/fashion from a hole in the wall! Maybe not pirates, but I do know a thing or two about sports, especially lacrosse!
I agree with the power of culture part in Williams' article. The power of society does seem to make people fear that they are in fact individuals "who will be accepted by the dominant culture." What a terrible way to go through life. I am a modest person in many ways, but one thing is for sure- - I do not care about the dominant culture. I know there are cultural norms and such; however, when it comes to being myself, I, for the most part, always have. I have especially done more so then ever before while attending SUNY Cortland. I commend the people as well, that respect me for that.
It is stated that "the values of the classroom often run counter to the values of the rest of society." MY CLASSROOM WILL NOT BE LIKE THIS...EVERRRRR. The part where it states how girls received less attention than boys while being in the classroom atmosphere disgusts me. The class room should not play to the strengths of boy or girl, black or white, prep or jock, gay or straight, tall or short. The classroom is an environment of equality and should stay that way always.
I agree with the power of culture part in Williams' article. The power of society does seem to make people fear that they are in fact individuals "who will be accepted by the dominant culture." What a terrible way to go through life. I am a modest person in many ways, but one thing is for sure- - I do not care about the dominant culture. I know there are cultural norms and such; however, when it comes to being myself, I, for the most part, always have. I have especially done more so then ever before while attending SUNY Cortland. I commend the people as well, that respect me for that.
It is stated that "the values of the classroom often run counter to the values of the rest of society." MY CLASSROOM WILL NOT BE LIKE THIS...EVERRRRR. The part where it states how girls received less attention than boys while being in the classroom atmosphere disgusts me. The class room should not play to the strengths of boy or girl, black or white, prep or jock, gay or straight, tall or short. The classroom is an environment of equality and should stay that way always.
Fall of Berlin Wall=Computers & Technology
Is Friedman overwhelming me a little bit?-- Yes. But I do comprehend the idea that as a future teacher I should understand the points he brings up. In the beginning of The Ten Forces That Flattened the World, Friedman brings up points about the Berlin Wall falling that I read as a comparison to today's day and age.
One thing he states is how The Fall of the Berlin Wall actually made people liberate: "there was only one system left and everyone had to orient himself or herself to it one way or another" (49). Perhaps I got a little too created with some of the stuff he stated, but I took this statement and immediately thought of computers. No matter how hard one tries, one way or another technology/ computers are put in one's face everyday! I also took the part where he says how the falling of the wall liberated people, it seems as if computers have liberated a great part of the world as well. As teachers we are liberated from using conventional ways to teach (bore) our students! Branching off of the idea that in some way/ways people need to conform to technology, Friedman states that the transformation that the fall of the wall brought was unpleasant to much of the older generations. Just like today, many parents, granparents, etc. view technology as an "unwelcoming transformation" (49)- - All in all, that is unfortunately just too bad.
He also states how the fall of the Berlin Wall led to people thinking differently about the world: well hasn't the computer done the same thing? the computer is information sitting at our fingertips, which inevitably allows the world to be viewed differently and in a much broader sense. The computer/technology is an aspect of life that just takes a little getting used to.
One thing he states is how The Fall of the Berlin Wall actually made people liberate: "there was only one system left and everyone had to orient himself or herself to it one way or another" (49). Perhaps I got a little too created with some of the stuff he stated, but I took this statement and immediately thought of computers. No matter how hard one tries, one way or another technology/ computers are put in one's face everyday! I also took the part where he says how the falling of the wall liberated people, it seems as if computers have liberated a great part of the world as well. As teachers we are liberated from using conventional ways to teach (bore) our students! Branching off of the idea that in some way/ways people need to conform to technology, Friedman states that the transformation that the fall of the wall brought was unpleasant to much of the older generations. Just like today, many parents, granparents, etc. view technology as an "unwelcoming transformation" (49)- - All in all, that is unfortunately just too bad.
He also states how the fall of the Berlin Wall led to people thinking differently about the world: well hasn't the computer done the same thing? the computer is information sitting at our fingertips, which inevitably allows the world to be viewed differently and in a much broader sense. The computer/technology is an aspect of life that just takes a little getting used to.
Friday, February 2, 2007
A Quick Comment...
Just wanted to mention a quick little piece of information about technology in the classroom. I was talking to one of my teammates after practice, and she is currently doing her student teaching: she mentioned how (some of you may already know this) teachers now do their attendance on the computer. She mentioned how there is a picture of the student's face and if he/she is absent you click on it once. If he/she comes in late you click it twice. I just thought that was interesting and a way that a new form of technology is becoming useful to teachers. Hope everyone will enjoy their weekend....go Colts or Bears?
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