In theory, RSS appears to make life easier for those who use the web on a continuous basis. For those of us however, that are technology challenged, the task on navigating RSS seems daunting. Originally in the first few pages of the chapter, my initial thought was " ok - this isnt so bad......" but as I read on, I had more questions than I had answers to. For example:
Is it possible to receive only certain kinds of information on RSS: Say I put "Canada" in; is it possible to get only factual or human interest stories on the provinces? Or..... will I be subjected to any subject, any news clip, any anything that relates to Canada? (Yes, I understand I pick who submits to my RSS - but is their a way to filter things out)
Is it possible to receive info that is only at a certain age level (Ex: 5-8th grade) so student are not able to pull up information that my be too advanced or inappropriate for their age?
It appears it takes a great deal of time to weed through what you receive. I understand Will Richardson finds this easy, but this is what he does for a living. How does the teacher, mother, taxi driver, maid, grocery shopper, cook, student in her master's class, find the extra hours to devote to this?
Am I making mountain out of molehills, or is this just the fear in me speaking?
Monday, January 28, 2013
Tuesday, January 22, 2013
Classroom Blogging and Multiple Literacies
In today's digital world, blogging, no doubt, has a huge impact in what students can achieve within the classroom. Students are able to explore their interests, communicate their personal views and ideas through communication with others outside of the classroom, explores different cultures throughout the world, and heightens their awareness of issues around them. In essence, blogging and technology within the classroom, engages students and ultimately keeps them connected to the outside communities of the world. Students who build their technology skills will surely enter the world of critical thinking, problem solving, communication and collaboration, and fine tune their research abilities. This aids students in pushing their depths of knowledge to higher levels, as well as encourages students to show their creativity. This also aligns with the Common Core initiative and the National Education Technology Standards for Students (NETS).
Two teachers Johanna Cleary and Mr Seyfert use Kidblog to integrate technology into their classrooms. Cleary uses this for "Book Clubs" and "Conversation Blogs" revolving around a weekly topic. Seyfert uses it for student "Book Reviews & Recommendations" I thought these were fabulous ideas. In addition, teacher Aviva Dusigers used Skype Literature Circles so students in her classroom can communicate with students from other parts of the country who are reading the same book. This is a great experience for students to hear alternate perspectives on literature for kids in different ares of the country. I love this idea because I had given up on lit circles as students often did not do their jobs. As kids are meeting with other kids through Skype, this may be an incentive to open lines of communication.
Another venue to motivate students was through a web site called new-casts. Here students created short clips on assorted topics. I thought this also could be used as a news broadcast on a school wide basis that could be shown weekly regarding events at school (Community), accomplishments of students (spotlight - bios), results of team games (Sports) or even an editorial. It also could be used as a student council initiative.
Overall - the possibilities here are endless and definitely worth exploring within the classroom. Although these may be difficult for the new comer of technology to initiate, once up and running, the benefits out weigh the risks.
Two teachers Johanna Cleary and Mr Seyfert use Kidblog to integrate technology into their classrooms. Cleary uses this for "Book Clubs" and "Conversation Blogs" revolving around a weekly topic. Seyfert uses it for student "Book Reviews & Recommendations" I thought these were fabulous ideas. In addition, teacher Aviva Dusigers used Skype Literature Circles so students in her classroom can communicate with students from other parts of the country who are reading the same book. This is a great experience for students to hear alternate perspectives on literature for kids in different ares of the country. I love this idea because I had given up on lit circles as students often did not do their jobs. As kids are meeting with other kids through Skype, this may be an incentive to open lines of communication.
Another venue to motivate students was through a web site called new-casts. Here students created short clips on assorted topics. I thought this also could be used as a news broadcast on a school wide basis that could be shown weekly regarding events at school (Community), accomplishments of students (spotlight - bios), results of team games (Sports) or even an editorial. It also could be used as a student council initiative.
Overall - the possibilities here are endless and definitely worth exploring within the classroom. Although these may be difficult for the new comer of technology to initiate, once up and running, the benefits out weigh the risks.
Monday, January 21, 2013
Blogs & Blogging - New Ideas
When looking through the Blogs & Blogging page, I found that one teacher frequently uses media clips from the "Teaching Channel". This site has clips that run in length from a few minutes to just under an hour that gives teachers great ideas for lessons within their classrooms that use DOK (Depth of Knowledge) questions for higher critical thinking. Below is one clip that I found relevant to my social studies class as we study the aspects of culture throughout the year and the majority of my students are either 1st or 2nd generation emigrants. It was also interesting for me as I have introduced to my class written material on the "Lost Boys of Sudan." Click on "Exploring Emigration:Cultural Identity" below to brink up the link for your viewing.
Animoto: 5 Themes of Geography
Here is an Animoto on Caribbean Architecture that I could easily adapt and use in my Latin America Unit. It also ties in with the 5 Themes of Geography: Human Environment Interaction, where people use natural resources from their region to build and heat their homes. The only change I would make to this, would be to supplement with calypso music which is native to the island of Dominca.
Weblogs & Wikis
Weblogs and wikis can indeed be an asset within the classroom. In reading Will Richardson's Blogs, Wikis, Podcasts and other powerful Web Tools for Classrooms, I was intrigued with the possibilities for creativity and opportunities for learning through a variety of technology avenues. In the comparison between blogs and wikis, I originally favored the blog, due primarily to the fact that I found it easier to monitor as a teacher, in regards to "safe guarding" students from information that may be to mature for their ages, or information that may not be entirely accurate. It had been my experience in the past, where students in my class had found objectionable content on wiki sites that not acceptable in the classroom. However, in exploring wiki's further, I am seeing the advantage of using them in the classroom to connect to others around the world to offer alternate perspectives and insights from their own, or adding factual information to a topic of interest. It is definitely one avenue that I will continue to explore.
I do however, wonder if students will be able to take full advantage of this due to the limited resources available to schools. While I am from a school that has more technology than most in our town, the fact that we still have 25 laptops for 75 students presents a problem. one that does not make it reasonable that students will in all likelihood, be able to use on a daily basis. Yes, some use is far better than none, but in order for students to benefit from new technology expectations, students must each be able to have access to technology on a daily basis. It is surprising I know, but I have a high number of students, who do not have computers at home. Therefore, school is their only option for interaction with technologies and the opportunities it provides. I would love that every child in every school be provided with a tablet so technology, weblogs and wikis be used as a daily part of their lives.
How are we able to bring all schools to a place where all students have the same opportunities from technology in the same way?
Monday, January 14, 2013
NETS for Students & Teachers
In reviewing the technology standards for both teachers & students, my first reaction was one of enthusiasm. As a history teacher, there is so much I can incorporate in regards to historical events and the perspectives that surround them. Students often gain a different insight into historical events or figures when viewing specific elements of various eras throughout history. For example, I expose my students to a great deal of literature in my classroom regarding the civil rights movement. However, I always notice a visible difference in my students when they view clips of what what actually took place. It brings about a new understanding of the event. While I believe the standards are necessary, there are a few obstacles that prevent teachers from implementing what is truly needed in the classroom for their students. These are:
Funding: With cutbacks becoming the norm, there are many schools that don't have up to date
technology, or if they do, it may be limited. Example: One COW cart per school. This
limits access and opportunities for the students.
Training: Where there is "new" technology, or tech programs within schools, training as to how to use
or implement the programs, are not offered to teachers or given as a "broad overview."
Fear: As many teachers grew up without technology - it can be a daunting task to use within the
classroom. To further complicate the matter, nearly all students have a greater knowledge of the
ins and outs of any given pierce of technology. Due to this, some teachers believe there are risks
as they essentially don't know what specifically to look for, or how to correct if a problem should
one arise.
Funding: With cutbacks becoming the norm, there are many schools that don't have up to date
technology, or if they do, it may be limited. Example: One COW cart per school. This
limits access and opportunities for the students.
Training: Where there is "new" technology, or tech programs within schools, training as to how to use
or implement the programs, are not offered to teachers or given as a "broad overview."
Fear: As many teachers grew up without technology - it can be a daunting task to use within the
classroom. To further complicate the matter, nearly all students have a greater knowledge of the
ins and outs of any given pierce of technology. Due to this, some teachers believe there are risks
as they essentially don't know what specifically to look for, or how to correct if a problem should
one arise.
Sunday, January 13, 2013
▶New Media Degree at Colorado Mountain College by cmceagle
This is an ad for Colorado Mountain College, however, I thought it may be a great intro for elementary/middle school students as a means to introduce Blogs to your class and begin a discussion as how blogs have the ability to allow people to share their thoughts and ideas, receive feedback, and reflect upon them. In addition, you could segue into how blogs within the classroom can open doors to others around the world, offering the opportunity to communicate and explore others perspectives, as well as build bridges to new communities. I found this to coincide with the first two chapters in Will Richardson's book, Blogs, Wikis, Podcasts, and other powerful Web Tools for Classrooms, and it's emphasis on why it is so important to incorporate this form of technology into student's lives with the classroom. If done so properly, it opens a world of possibilities in how a student learns and more importantly, how he or she will critically think when exposed to others thoughts and ideas.
This is an ad for Colorado Mountain College, however, I thought it may be a great intro for elementary/middle school students as a means to introduce Blogs to your class and begin a discussion as how blogs have the ability to allow people to share their thoughts and ideas, receive feedback, and reflect upon them. In addition, you could segue into how blogs within the classroom can open doors to others around the world, offering the opportunity to communicate and explore others perspectives, as well as build bridges to new communities. I found this to coincide with the first two chapters in Will Richardson's book, Blogs, Wikis, Podcasts, and other powerful Web Tools for Classrooms, and it's emphasis on why it is so important to incorporate this form of technology into student's lives with the classroom. If done so properly, it opens a world of possibilities in how a student learns and more importantly, how he or she will critically think when exposed to others thoughts and ideas.
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