Steve Jobs touched the world

I so agree with the comment:
Isn't ironic that most of us learned about Steve Jobs passing on devices that he created?
Incredible.
I was glad we had the opportunity to learn about so many things that Steve Jobs has created and changed our world. Amazing to see the world stop and admire his work.

Too much commentary?

On my recent trip to Canada, I picked up a magazine called "WIRED," full of all kinds of techy information. This magazine was not geared towards an education audience, but it had many articles that were relevant. One article discussed commenting and rating systems online. The point of the article was that through all this commenting, and we slowly stripping away our own sense of self and opinion? Doesn't reading someone's opinion already start to sway and form your own? A fascinating article!

The Road to H-E-double hockey sticks is paved with,,,,

ideas like these! Ugh!  I am amazed that now web 2.0 tools that allow educators to engage students in academic studies are being made illegal because they are viewed as tools that allow predatory teachers to victimize students.  People, and I don't call them teachers, who do this are sick, need help, and certainly have no place in the realm of education... but I digress!  Why is the solution to take away potent tools and resources from teachers who are "teaching them well" or stripping the shy student of tools that enable them to interact with adults in an easier manner?  I think Missouri needs to take a second glance at these tools being used appropriately before they put the kabosh to the lot of them!

... but first,

I am finding myself agreeing more and more with the modern concept of learning through collaboration. However, there is one point in particular that keeps me from jumping in with both feet: I have an awful big curriculum and only 183 days to get my students to be proficient in it.

I believe teachers can speed up the learning that goes on in collaborative efforts by focusing on the entry level skills which are necessary for collaborative success. Foremost, teachers must teach listening skills, as well as, polite ways to ask for someone to clarify what he/she means.

I'm sure there are other requisite skills, but I'm also sure that the ones mentioned here are essential for time-effective collaboration.

PS. As a reader of this post, do you have the skill to ask politely for clarification if you do not understand what I am trying to express?

TOOT

TOOT = there's only one tool.

You know that at the onset of this the Web 2.0 course it was overwhelming to think of how to use so many tools to improve instruction.

As we are wrapping up the course, however, I don't feel overwhelmed. This sure isn't because I have mastered all of the web 2.0 applications. It is because I see that there is only one tool I need to concentrate on and master. That tool is called collaborate-create-share. I'm serious. By mastering this tool, I am 100% convinced that my end results will be worthwhile.

Now, of course, we have learned that there are about a million ways to apply this tool, but understanding the tool makes it a lot easier to choose what to apply it with.

Isn't summer over, yet.

Twit and Shout

First let me begin by saying... by golly gee wiz, Twitter is addictive!  I am learning so many new things from so many new people! Every teacher should be taking advantage of the wealth of knowledge that is a click away on Twitter.  I highly recommend joining in on some of the scheduled chats as well. I prefer #edchat on Tuesdays.  I also feel it's noteworthy to mention all the great sites for photo-editing.  I am learning about Adobe Photoshop in my Media Design class and I have found super, fun, and affordable tools through the web 2.0 class that do the same or close to the same job for a whole lot less coinage!  I really enjoyed playing with BeFunky, Picassa, and Flickr.  However I think the grand prize went too Pixlr, because it mirrors Adobe to a T and did I mention it FREE!?!

Google Galore and Other Terrific Tools

I really enjoyed learning more about GoogleEarth and how to arrange the tours.  The only thing I'd like to learn more about is narrating the tours.  I would like to explore that idea in the future.  I think that would allow me to have the students participate in some self guided tours.
I feel really confident with Storybird and would be more than willing to help anyone who wanted to create a classroom account and get up and running with it.  My students LOVE storybird.
I was also intrigued by scribblemaps and have embedded an example of one in my wiki for class.

Blogs Wikis, Podcasts ~ Thoughts

As I reviewed the posts to our discussion about Will Richardson's book and look forward to our Skype session with him on Wed. I thought I'd review your posts and begin a list of questions and thoughts that your posts elicited.
~ How does blogging work with very young students? Ideas for getting young students to blog would be helpful.
~ Class Recorder - Could the notes be a form of blogging? A daily class posting of big ideas?
~ Quality over quantity for blogging - start small - but start and continue till you feel comfortable using the tool daily.
~ Updating all online content ~ It is only as good as the last post. People will return and look for new materials. If none are found ~ you will lose your audience.
~ If more of us posted and uploaded content as teachers ~ Don't you think parents and concerned guardians would be more likely to get involved? We must advertise our work and find ways of propagating what our students are doing!
~ RSS - To me is one of the most underused tools out there. BE creative, BE innovative, BE authentic and find ways to use RSS to gain back the one thing many claim technology takes away! (TIME!) *Would this work for your class: Have all the students blog about the big idea of the day and then you (the teacher) RSS all of there blogs so you can look in one place for all the responses.
~ Twitter: For me, this is the KILLER app that is least used (appropriately) - What more can I say than: Personal Learning Network: Follow the good ones, block inappropriate ones, and friends that post, "it's time to walk the dog" -- well, you decide. Use this in moderation -- it is like a drug of amazing stuff that you have to use as your schedule permits. On a personal note: I see Twitter more as a teacher resource than a student one. Could someone respond with ideas for appropriate instructional use?
~ DIIGO is the social web's most under used resource that could impact instruction and learning. How will you use it in your classroom?
~ Flicker and other image storing sites will become more accessible as tech directors become comfortable with how teachers use them with the instructional delivery of curriculum. We have to show them why and what we can do with these types of sites and in good faith, how could they continue to block them. Imagery as an instructional tool is vital.
~ Edmodo - Google+ - Ning - Facebook - Most important lesson I feel we are missing here is ethics and appropriate use of the tools. How do we get students to use them correctly if we don't model? What you post is ALWAYS going to be there - There are no ultimate DELETE buttons to remove it once you post it! How about a Parents BootCamp on Social Networking for every parent?

To sum up our learning: I have to agree with all the great posts and ideas!! Always keep in mind, what is good instruction, how do I best get students engaged, am I tying my instruction to the standards, using the best pedagogy and what I'm doing, does it have instructional value while engaging students and bringing them into a global learning environment prepared for life?

I felt your understanding of the book was right on the mark. Your posts reflect your understanding of Will's ideas and our conversation on Wed. should be enlightening.

google earth

After seeing the power of Google Earth tours, I would like to incorporate them into my instruction this year! What an awesome way to make it blatantly obvious that the world is flattening! For my final project and I am developing a class wiki, something I've wanted to do, but never had the shove to push me over the edge. I'm also looking forward to using story birds. It seems a little more primary friendly than kerpoof. Something that I'm concerned about when using storybirds is modeling. I technically do not have an IWB in my classroom (I borrowed one from a teacher on maternity leave at the end of last year). We were told they would be installed over the summer, but that may or may not happen. I just wish I had the hardware to make all of my dreams come true!! I would say I feel pretty confident about using glogster, wikis, animoto. I CAN say I am utterly confused as to how to record audio onto a google earth tour. I am convinced it is not possible! If anyone figures it out.. please let me know!

TOOK THE BAIT! CAUGHT A WHALE!

Well, I took the bait and .... joined my first live webinar.
Jeff sent the email about the Will Richardson is providing Webinars. http://us1.campaign-archive2.com/?u=dfa2b25e8b508d24535e69e6d&id=0aaaf8056e&e=a7e6e372e0
and I signed up.

It went fine. I had never experienced the that before, so that was good for me. It was more about signing up for their services/class and courses. I did get to meet another first grade teacher who is trying to use technology in her classroom, so we were able to exchange "tweet" names. I also received some information from the moderator who is putting me in contact with other primary teachers who are already blogging with their students and who use some web 2.0 tools with their first grade students. So, that was the best! I so enjoyed reading Mr. Richardson's book but now need practical ways to implement some ideas and tools into the hands of non readers who are 6 year old. Collaborating and networking with other teachers who have already accomplished this feat will be awesome.

So, although I did not sign up for the webinar's course, or buy their services/product, I did get some very valuable information from it. I look forward to hearing from them soon with my contact names of my new "techie friends."

So, I took the bait on the is webinar invitation and I may have just caught a whale!
Here's hoping!!!
Reen

In need of a Digital Secretary or Custodian

Okay, all of this information is just overflowing my brain capacity! Where do I put it all and how will I remember to use it at the right time? Where do I file it? I am in need of a digital secretary or digital custodian to assist me with all of these tools throughout the year.

I feel like it is Christmas morning and I start opening up my gifts. Wow, this big present is oh, oh, oh so cool. But oh, now I see another gift. I'll open up that one. Oh, this is even cooler. I play with this one for a few more minutes until I see yet another gift. Yes, the gifts are endless and I play with everyone for a few moments. Do I have a favorite? I don't know yet.

Gifts= web 2.0Tools?

Wonderful, but remember the feeling of Christmas morning????

Right now, I almost want to just play with the box and the wrapping and be ever so satisfied!!!

Ever feel like this?
Reen

Your Own Sandwich

In a local sandwich shoppe that I visit once in a while, waitresses enter sandwich orders into a computer. Sometimes sandwiches from the menu need to be customized a little (actually sometimes a lot). This takes a little extra time, of course. However, for several regular customers who unswervingly order the same customized sandwich on every visit, the manager has entered that particular sandwich to the computer and named the sandwich after that customer.

Now although most people will never enjoy the pride of having a sandwich named after them, it seems to be a general need for people to frequent places and hang out with people whom they are familiar with. Familiarity is comfortable.

Familiarity is a key to the successful use of web 2.0 tools. Initially, just being comfortable with how to use the tool starts the journey to success. However, if a user stops there, he is probably cheating himself out of a great deal of what the tool has to offer. To gain the rest of what the tool has to offer, spend time getting to know the personality of some of the others frequent visitors and experiment with leaving a little of yourself behind so others can learn about your personality.

Web 2.0 offers us the opportunity to be people.

So be.

Looking for the hook

I have thought a lot lately about why some people simply love blogs while others think they are quite lame. My conclusion is that the difference between someone who thinks blogs are fabulous and someone who thinks they are a waste of time often depends on a hook.

Here a comparison might make this clearer.

If I were judging the value of magazines as a media type and was given issues of a fashion magazine and a NASCAR magazine, I probably would not be too thrilled with the use of magazines. On the other hand, if I were given a gardening magazine or a history magazine, I'd be more than happy to vouch for the brilliant uses of magazines.

So, I suppose what I am saying is that finding a passion to write about or a passion to follow will be one of the most important factors in determining if a person loves or hates blogs.

PS.
Note that we all have a great deal of control over what we choose to write about or learn about.

My latest blog

Come read the ABC's of web tools!

Stuck to my computer

Three days of ltms600 completed and I am mixed with emotions. The first night I was so overwhelmed that I could hardly keep it all together. A few technical difficulties with my computer and the HU site were a bit challenging for me. However, once I over came that obstacle, I actually was able to do the requirements with ease. Twitter....hmm. Well, I had a Twitter account from about 3 years ago and never ever used it. I had a somewhat hesitant and negative thought process toward it and wasn't interested in using it. WOW... did I ever experience a change of attitude! Now, I find myself checking my tweetdeck and opening up all the sites that people send me. YES, I have been stuck to my computer and find it incredible. I need to limit myself and learn how to organize all the things that I am finding. I know we talked about Diigo in class but am if that is what I want.

All this new information coming at me is fascinating and exciting; but today I am now trying to figure out where do I put all this stuff so that I remember it to use it in an "organized" way.
How do I best manage my time on all these sites.
Playing with them and figuring them all out is very time consuming but am somewhat fearful that if I don't there might be one great one out there that I am missing and OH!

Perhaps this is the voice of a "first time HU grad class participant" speaking. Did you all feel like this?
I am stuck to my computer; but liking it. Am I a tech geek?????

Brain=Jello

After the first few days of our time together, I don't necessarily feel overwhelmed, I just feel like I want to DO something with what I've learned right away, and not have to wait until September. I also feel this urge to change the way people view technology in my school. I may approach my principal to see if there is anytime (in the professional development schedule that is no doubt already SET) for me to present just a few small things to other teachers. I just want to open their eyes to the wide range of possibilities. I am afraid of the responses though. "I don't have enough time, I don't have the technology, I don't have the computer lab, My kids aren't capable" among others. How do you get people to buy into it??

ChatteryTeach,
I would be interested in knowing more about how to keep a private blog. You wrote:
"I know that I keep a private blog that is more like a journal for each of my kids commemorating their achievements and special moments. It is a nice compliment to a scrapbook, but requires little prep, layout, and time." Your comments really interested me since I am looking for learning more about blogging that not the whole wide world can view, but more of a private select few ( parents, relatives, etc) and can be comments and viewed by those who know the students.
thanks
Reen

Purpose

Tablet paper.

My students use tablet paper for quite a few different purposes: love notes, no-longer-in-love notes, bookmarks, fans (on hot days), paper footballs (on indoor recess days), and once in awhile even homework.

Paper is a tool the value of which is determined by the need or the purpose.

Similarly, blogging is a tool. In itself, it is neither good nor bad. This is the theme that I try to preach when I talk to fellow teachers about using blogs or any of the other web 2.0 tools. Just using them does not make good teaching. Using them well is what makes good teaching.

Discussions about how critical to be about a student's mechanics or about whether to have a private audience versus a world-wide audience, I believe, should to be part of the planning for each specific assignment. However, it is important to consider that there are times when different criteria and audiences are appropriate to facilitate particular learning.

I have seen technology actually stand in the way of learning. In fact, I have been guilty of inflicting students with it myself. So in ending, I look forward, desperately, to learning to leverage blogging to have positive value for students.

To Blog or Not to Blog...

Having discussed blogs in class today and having limited experience authoring my own blog, I have a few ideas and some opinions about blogging in and out of the school scenario.  If you are writing a blog of public interest and you feel secure enough to put your ideas out there and can do so without materials affecting you or your career in an adverse way, I highly recommend writing a public blog!  Blogging allows you to have an audience of peers who have similar interests and can add support to or challenge your beliefs or thoughts.  If you are a private person or just was to catalogue ideas or events, a private blog is a great match for you!  I know that I keep a private blog that is more like a journal for each of my kids commemorating their achievements and special moments.  It is a nice compliment to a scrapbook, but requires little prep, layout, and time.  I think student blogs are great, however I think that a lot of modeling has to take place to make them worthwhile and turn them into learning tools and not time fillers.  I recommend an assessment, most likely a rubric to evaluate student posts.  I also recommend utilizing the writing process with younger students to ensure that text-speak doesn't get applied to school work.  Writing on a student blog should be assessed with a writing rubric for conventions, focus, content, and organization as well. I think student blogs are an excellent way to do book tastings, post what is happening in your classroom through the eyes of your students, and allow students to collaborate with other students near and far.  My concerns about blogging are the lack of anonymity for students, sharing of personal information on an open site, and cyber-bullying via commentary on blogs.

Blogging

The concept of blogging is not new to me. However, I have not embraced it on a personal level.
I do not read blogs regularly, nor do I have a desire to do so at this time.
I realize that they can be quite informative and have had the personal experience of reading blogs when friends were ill and their information was being shared on carepages. It was helpful and very efficient. So, I understand how this type of media could and would be useful on a personal level.

The private vs. public debate on blogging would depend on its content for me. At this point I could listen to both sides. I tend to be a more conservative and private person so "blogging" would need to be selective blogging for me. Information based.

I have read some student blogs and have found them to be incredible and filled with information. I have read daily blogs from students on mission trips that were informative and well written. They were worthy of being read and gave the reader details and a sense of being right there with them.

I have had limited experience with blog writing with my first graders. During the past two years, we may have had a bit of a "blogging" experience. We had the students dictate sentence to us and we published them in a blog for parents to read. However, the students did not type the words themselves due to time and skillset. We also responded to "wikki" questions which I guess could be considered a blog response. Our students are seeing this type of technology being used on a very limited basis. I realize has the potential to be broadened and am looking to you all for suggestions on how to best do that with primary age students who are just learning to read, write and type.

At this point, I do not have tons of concerns about blogging. I realize my own hesitentcy with blogging and following other or reading other's blogs might be the first place to tackle.

Taking this course, listening to all of you guys and your expertise, your suggestions, and allowing myself to be more open minded, and less scared will help to broaden my technology horizons and allow me to take steps or leaps forward.
Looking forward to it all,
Reen





Professionally, I have not yet embraced this media. I am not sure if my passion is not there or if I am just not educated in this realm to know what to look for and how to get the information. But, for now, I am satisfied with email via friends and co-workers to keep me informed about daily happenings in my field of work.

Educationally, I think this type of media has a place

Blog Take Aways

There are pros and cons to private and public blogs. Private blogs provide just what they imply, safety and security for those young minds for whom we are responsible. However, public blogs provide what the private blog cannot- a tremendous audience. Blogging, in its truest form, is a way to collaborate, discuss, and relate information. In order to make the experience more authentic complete privacy cannot be.

I have used student blogs before. When I taught 6th grade I created student accounts for my language arts class on kidblog.org. I used this particular tool because it was the only one I found that was not blocked by our school. The students were so excited to put their thoughts online and have other classmates comment on their posts. Motivation was high! I also used blogspot.com as more of a CMS for my science and language arts classes. Mostly it was a warehouse for links and videos that I deemed appropriate for students to use.

Blogging with students can be spectacular! I think that students have to be taught how to blog and comment prior to getting into the online environment. Also, it is best if the blogging is as natural as possible. I realize that some students will not do anything unless they are forced and it is graded, but hopefully with the right motivation, a safe and respectful classroom environment, and quality questions, students will want to participate.

Welcome

Greetings. I wanted to welcome you all to the class!

Summer class 2011 members: Sorry, Don't have a class list yet.

Please post a daily blog reflection of your day to this site.

See Jeff for help if needed.

A little about myself: I'm a corporate faculty for Harrisburg University during the summer months. I work for Berks Intermediate Unit as a Program Administrator in the office of professional development and curriculum related to educational technology instructional integration.

Live in Lititz, PA and have 3 grown children. One working, one at PSU as a grad student and one as a Sophomore at Pitt.