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Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Thoughts About My Interaction w/ Wendy Drexler
Whats up blog folk in blogville?!
Well, as some of you may have read, I received a comment in response to my post about Wendy Drexler's Tech Blog. She handed me my ...um... on a platter and really put me in my place about my views on technology.
Let me start off by saying I will NEVER recant a statement that was made, I will, however, apologize for how it was taken or if it happened to offend someone. I'm not a politician, so I don't have to do that ( ha ha ha ). I have been admittedly on the defence about technology and after being critiqued I now realize I need to take a Valium and chill.
Dr. Drexler (if she's not a doctor... Oh well, shes smarter than most I've met) and I agreed on our principles for the most part, but she eloquently stated my imperfections in the post with grace and humility ( and a hint of sarcasm, which we all know I love).
In a nutshell, she owned me and I was surprisingly pleased that she did. I can't say I wont jump up on my soapbox again, but I will try to be a bit more tactful when I do it next time.
Thanks Wendy ( Everybody should send her some love)
Adios Bloggeritos
Well, as some of you may have read, I received a comment in response to my post about Wendy Drexler's Tech Blog. She handed me my ...um... on a platter and really put me in my place about my views on technology.
Let me start off by saying I will NEVER recant a statement that was made, I will, however, apologize for how it was taken or if it happened to offend someone. I'm not a politician, so I don't have to do that ( ha ha ha ). I have been admittedly on the defence about technology and after being critiqued I now realize I need to take a Valium and chill.
Dr. Drexler (if she's not a doctor... Oh well, shes smarter than most I've met) and I agreed on our principles for the most part, but she eloquently stated my imperfections in the post with grace and humility ( and a hint of sarcasm, which we all know I love).
In a nutshell, she owned me and I was surprisingly pleased that she did. I can't say I wont jump up on my soapbox again, but I will try to be a bit more tactful when I do it next time.
Thanks Wendy ( Everybody should send her some love)
Adios Bloggeritos
Monday, October 12, 2009
I decided to conduct this post as an interview between myself and Mr. Sullivan’s questions, so just pretend your reading the newest issue of Technology Skeptic Weekly.
The New Media Skills
judgment
negotiation
appropriation
play
transmedia navigation
simulation
collective intelligence
performance
distributed cognition
visualization
multitasking
Mr. Sullivan: What do you think of them?
Me: Well Steve I’m glad you asked. They seem to be very firm and well proportioned.
Mr. Sullivan: I was referencing the new media skills, you know that, right?
Me: Oh… yes… of course I did.
Mr. Sullivan: So, could you elaborate?
Me: Of course. I feel the skills are paramount in the new world of technology in which we live.
Mr. Sullivan: Are they really the 21st century skills that will be needed to be effective artists, citizens, workers?
Me: I believe they are. However, it is of no use if you are not creative in the first place. After all, the canvas didn’t make Leonardo da Vinci a painter no more than the computer made Bill Gates a billionaire. They used their minds to make these mediums come to life just as students will do and are doing in the classroom today.
Mr. Sullivan: Do you possess any of these skills? And If so…
Me: I possess them all Steve! I am taking YOUR class! Dr. Strange has you brain washed into thinking I don’t know this information so that you will persistently drill it in our heads. Stop the madness Steve, don’t drink the kool - aid!
Mr. Sullivan: Actually I was just looking for a simple “yes” or “no”.
Me: Oh, sorry
Mr. Sullivan: (Clears throat irritated) So you say you possess them all?
Me: Well…. I had to look up distributed cognition
Mr. Sullivan: Ok, so you don’t know it all.
Me: NO! Teach me O great technological Master, TEACH ME!!!!!
Mr. Sullivan: Well then like all other “technological masters” before me, I’ll answer your question with another question. How will you acquire the others?
Me: I will use technology more and develop my PLN so that I can learn from others. Is that right?
Mr. Sullivan: You tell me.
I’m a goober and I know it, but I wanted to spice up the EDM blog world. I did enjoy this video immensely. I think this should have been discussed prior to some of these other blog assignments.
The New Media Skills
judgment
negotiation
appropriation
play
transmedia navigation
simulation
collective intelligence
performance
distributed cognition
visualization
multitasking
Mr. Sullivan: What do you think of them?
Me: Well Steve I’m glad you asked. They seem to be very firm and well proportioned.
Mr. Sullivan: I was referencing the new media skills, you know that, right?
Me: Oh… yes… of course I did.
Mr. Sullivan: So, could you elaborate?
Me: Of course. I feel the skills are paramount in the new world of technology in which we live.
Mr. Sullivan: Are they really the 21st century skills that will be needed to be effective artists, citizens, workers?
Me: I believe they are. However, it is of no use if you are not creative in the first place. After all, the canvas didn’t make Leonardo da Vinci a painter no more than the computer made Bill Gates a billionaire. They used their minds to make these mediums come to life just as students will do and are doing in the classroom today.
Mr. Sullivan: Do you possess any of these skills? And If so…
Me: I possess them all Steve! I am taking YOUR class! Dr. Strange has you brain washed into thinking I don’t know this information so that you will persistently drill it in our heads. Stop the madness Steve, don’t drink the kool - aid!
Mr. Sullivan: Actually I was just looking for a simple “yes” or “no”.
Me: Oh, sorry
Mr. Sullivan: (Clears throat irritated) So you say you possess them all?
Me: Well…. I had to look up distributed cognition
Mr. Sullivan: Ok, so you don’t know it all.
Me: NO! Teach me O great technological Master, TEACH ME!!!!!
Mr. Sullivan: Well then like all other “technological masters” before me, I’ll answer your question with another question. How will you acquire the others?
Me: I will use technology more and develop my PLN so that I can learn from others. Is that right?
Mr. Sullivan: You tell me.
I’m a goober and I know it, but I wanted to spice up the EDM blog world. I did enjoy this video immensely. I think this should have been discussed prior to some of these other blog assignments.
Why Does A Networked Student Need A Teacher?
Wow!
I suppose I should stop taking these videos so personally. The video itself was not that offensive. It gave an overview of how the "networked" student learns. The title is what troubles me. I feel its a bit misleading, but its very thought provoking, I suppose, if you have no confidence in your potency as an educator. Are you a little confused? That's ok, I'll guide you through the jungle that is my mental reasoning.
First of all, this is a good little video about networking. It discuses how students learn through using resources that included websites, educators, and other media to help learn about the subject in question. The video could have used a little more technological approach to the video, or at least used a higher resolution camera so I could read what the papers said. Never the less, I give this video a mediocre thumbs up.
Now for the soap box! I am sick of computers and their handlers taunting humans and threatening their livelihoods! All of you nerds who thought none of us normal people would ever learn how to use your computers got pissed when we did, so now you are trying to perpetuate the idea that only technology can save us all because you are to socially awkward to talk to a human being! Jesus, why don’t you go to the park once in a awhile! Once again I have to ask, what is so wrong with speaking to a human being who knows what you want to know face to face rather than through a lap top? I know its sort of kinda the same thing, but that's the problem with the world today; we are to accustomed to synthetic life. We have make believe radio stations ( podcasts), we have make believe meeting areas (Myspace , chat, i.m. , facebook, twitter etc.), we even have make believe farms! My point is we must take the best of both worlds and stop being so enveloped with how much technology can I use to teach this lesson, but rather what is the best way altogether to teach it.
... and that, America, is what grinds my gears. Diane
I suppose I should stop taking these videos so personally. The video itself was not that offensive. It gave an overview of how the "networked" student learns. The title is what troubles me. I feel its a bit misleading, but its very thought provoking, I suppose, if you have no confidence in your potency as an educator. Are you a little confused? That's ok, I'll guide you through the jungle that is my mental reasoning.
First of all, this is a good little video about networking. It discuses how students learn through using resources that included websites, educators, and other media to help learn about the subject in question. The video could have used a little more technological approach to the video, or at least used a higher resolution camera so I could read what the papers said. Never the less, I give this video a mediocre thumbs up.
Now for the soap box! I am sick of computers and their handlers taunting humans and threatening their livelihoods! All of you nerds who thought none of us normal people would ever learn how to use your computers got pissed when we did, so now you are trying to perpetuate the idea that only technology can save us all because you are to socially awkward to talk to a human being! Jesus, why don’t you go to the park once in a awhile! Once again I have to ask, what is so wrong with speaking to a human being who knows what you want to know face to face rather than through a lap top? I know its sort of kinda the same thing, but that's the problem with the world today; we are to accustomed to synthetic life. We have make believe radio stations ( podcasts), we have make believe meeting areas (Myspace , chat, i.m. , facebook, twitter etc.), we even have make believe farms! My point is we must take the best of both worlds and stop being so enveloped with how much technology can I use to teach this lesson, but rather what is the best way altogether to teach it.
... and that, America, is what grinds my gears. Diane
This is How We Dream , Dr. Richard Miller
Richard Miller This is how we Dream
Hello blog people in blogland
Dr Millers lecture is another lecture like lectures we have heard before ( a little redundant huh? ). This was a lecture, surprise surprise, on technology in education. I’m just taking a playful jab here, because he did have some valid points and interesting ideas. Therefore, there are some ideas I don’t agree with, or at least have a different outlook. The general premise was great. He wrapped up his lecture with the idea that universities in particular need to harness the use of both the humanities and the sciences in order to bring the student along to create the new technology and new ways of expressing themselves through the use of technology in the class room.
First, there is the bad news. I understand that technology is one of the greatest assets a teacher can have in the 21st century. However, what is so wrong with pencils and paper? Why is it such a movement to make everything easy? I personally think this is an after effect on the new parenting methods of these children you see running around with no self control or idea of the way the world actually is. I may be old fashioned in this arena, but I don’t see anything wrong with reading a book, an actual paper sheeted book. We used to be asked to use our born in (perhaps God given) media players: our imaginations. My stance on life in general applies here, anything to far to one extreme is questionable and most of the time you should try to incorporate some of both worlds in order for it to work. Use your previous knowledge of what has worked and apply it to the new way of thinking without necessarily throwing away where you came from. Einstein didn’t have Google, Hemingway didn’t have Wikepedia , and Led Zeppelin didn’t have a Myspace.
But wait, there’s more! Miller had a good point about using other avenues to write reports and do projects in the classroom. He basically said we need to harness the use of audio, video, and multimedia in the classroom in order for students to learn using technology they use for other things. Teachers have been doing this forever, but it has just been packaged differently. He also mentioned combining the minds of the scientific and those who teach humanities to create a learning environment conducive to the students of the future so that the in turn can become educators of their respective futures. I think Dr. Miller is on the right track, I just think we have to remember our past if we don’t want to repeat it with the newest cool gadget in our hand.
Also, a brief praise for Dr. Miller:
He mentioned the value of post production of Vodcasts, Podcasts, Youtube video etc. I could not agree more with his stance. If your going to use one technology to send a message, use the technology they give you to refine it and make it better and thereby making the media more appealing to your audience (i.e. your students).
Hello blog people in blogland
Dr Millers lecture is another lecture like lectures we have heard before ( a little redundant huh? ). This was a lecture, surprise surprise, on technology in education. I’m just taking a playful jab here, because he did have some valid points and interesting ideas. Therefore, there are some ideas I don’t agree with, or at least have a different outlook. The general premise was great. He wrapped up his lecture with the idea that universities in particular need to harness the use of both the humanities and the sciences in order to bring the student along to create the new technology and new ways of expressing themselves through the use of technology in the class room.
First, there is the bad news. I understand that technology is one of the greatest assets a teacher can have in the 21st century. However, what is so wrong with pencils and paper? Why is it such a movement to make everything easy? I personally think this is an after effect on the new parenting methods of these children you see running around with no self control or idea of the way the world actually is. I may be old fashioned in this arena, but I don’t see anything wrong with reading a book, an actual paper sheeted book. We used to be asked to use our born in (perhaps God given) media players: our imaginations. My stance on life in general applies here, anything to far to one extreme is questionable and most of the time you should try to incorporate some of both worlds in order for it to work. Use your previous knowledge of what has worked and apply it to the new way of thinking without necessarily throwing away where you came from. Einstein didn’t have Google, Hemingway didn’t have Wikepedia , and Led Zeppelin didn’t have a Myspace.
But wait, there’s more! Miller had a good point about using other avenues to write reports and do projects in the classroom. He basically said we need to harness the use of audio, video, and multimedia in the classroom in order for students to learn using technology they use for other things. Teachers have been doing this forever, but it has just been packaged differently. He also mentioned combining the minds of the scientific and those who teach humanities to create a learning environment conducive to the students of the future so that the in turn can become educators of their respective futures. I think Dr. Miller is on the right track, I just think we have to remember our past if we don’t want to repeat it with the newest cool gadget in our hand.
Also, a brief praise for Dr. Miller:
He mentioned the value of post production of Vodcasts, Podcasts, Youtube video etc. I could not agree more with his stance. If your going to use one technology to send a message, use the technology they give you to refine it and make it better and thereby making the media more appealing to your audience (i.e. your students).
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Ipods in Education
Here are 2 websites I searched for and found with information about how ipods are or were used in the classroom.
The Duke Experiment
http://www.voanews.com/specialenglish/archive/2005-07/2005-07-13-voa3.cfm
In 2005, Duke issued there students with ipods in order to conduct an experiment to see if they could be used in an educational manner. The ipods also had a voice recording feature. Majority of the students said they did use their ipod for educational purposes such as recording lectures and listening to recorded material to aid in foreign language classes.
Learning in Hand
This is “learning in hand ”,I found this website put together to show some uses for the ipod, iphone, and ipod touch. He showed the use for pictures to illustrate or display items talked about in class and countless other useful applications for student aid. It also give many interesting ideas for classroom participation and teaching aids to help integrate the whole class ( teachers, students, and parents) in to the technological learning.
The Duke Experiment
http://www.voanews.com/specialenglish/archive/2005-07/2005-07-13-voa3.cfm
In 2005, Duke issued there students with ipods in order to conduct an experiment to see if they could be used in an educational manner. The ipods also had a voice recording feature. Majority of the students said they did use their ipod for educational purposes such as recording lectures and listening to recorded material to aid in foreign language classes.
Learning in Hand
This is “learning in hand ”,I found this website put together to show some uses for the ipod, iphone, and ipod touch. He showed the use for pictures to illustrate or display items talked about in class and countless other useful applications for student aid. It also give many interesting ideas for classroom participation and teaching aids to help integrate the whole class ( teachers, students, and parents) in to the technological learning.
iTunes U
Itunes U is a valuable tool to be used by anyone seeking knowledge in almost any subject. Students and Teachers alike could use this tool in the class room. Essentially, it is set up like much of the rest of iTunes. They look like pod casts and you can either subscribe to a specific university, teacher, or subject matter just like a pod cast or download a specific lecture or audio and/or video clip the pertains to what you are seeking information.
As a student you can find information needed for research and reference for projects and other assignments that require outside sources. As an educator you can use this in much the same way but in more of an instructional capacity. It enables teachers to show students world class university professors teaching up to date information that is being applied today and not something that has been in the curriculum for 20 years.
As a student you can find information needed for research and reference for projects and other assignments that require outside sources. As an educator you can use this in much the same way but in more of an instructional capacity. It enables teachers to show students world class university professors teaching up to date information that is being applied today and not something that has been in the curriculum for 20 years.
Dr. Alice Christie
I went to this website and had to search around a bit for what we were actually supposed to find. I have to be honest, I’m really not so sure I found what we ere supposed to be writing on, however I did find some information relative to the class so I suppose I’ll explain that. I read the presentation on Internet security as well as Dr. Christie’s last lecture.
In the presentation on Internet security I found some interesting facts on the growing popularity of the internet in the class room and amongst students in general. I found it particularly interesting that email has seemed to become more like actual “mail” everyday. Apparently text messages and instant messages through I’m services and social networking has taken over where email once did in the early part of the decade. She also went on to say that the students are making the transition from information seekers to information producers.
In her last lecture, Dr Christie shared her experience in her educational journey which included colleagues, students, and family as equal members in her development of understanding how education worked. Her philosophy in a nutshell was simple: never stop learning and experience everything you can while you can. I have to say I agree with her.
In the presentation on Internet security I found some interesting facts on the growing popularity of the internet in the class room and amongst students in general. I found it particularly interesting that email has seemed to become more like actual “mail” everyday. Apparently text messages and instant messages through I’m services and social networking has taken over where email once did in the early part of the decade. She also went on to say that the students are making the transition from information seekers to information producers.
In her last lecture, Dr Christie shared her experience in her educational journey which included colleagues, students, and family as equal members in her development of understanding how education worked. Her philosophy in a nutshell was simple: never stop learning and experience everything you can while you can. I have to say I agree with her.
Monday, September 28, 2009
A vision of Students Today
Holy blog land Batman!
Wow! That is the only way I can describe this video. I identified with everything in this video. The Kansas State folks have shown a few things that I think we will cover in our podcast later this month.They basically showed everything that is good and bad about technology. In this day and age we worship technology. We act as if we are so advanced and yet we continue a decline in western civilization that no one has seemed to notice until now.
We act as if all these gadgets are going to make us the people that we saw in blade runner and the fifth element. We are supposed to be forming into these technological gurus who know everything about computing devices and guess what, we've succeeded! We are now the most self centered, tech junkie, must-have-the-newest-gadget,multi tasking, shallow shells of what human beings used to be! Aristotle, Jesus, and Edison are probably laughing (or crying) in heaven right now about this. We have lost our quest for knowledge because its just to easy to Google it!
What I'm saying is I look at technology the way I look at smoking weed or drinking (follow me on this). Do the drug, don't let it do you. Technology is doing us now. Rather than using this tool for helping us do our work and make our lives easier and more efficient, we let this lighted box dictate what is important to us. When television was invented a smart man said it would turn people into mindless drones (I'm paraphrasing)and I would say to some extent he was right. Now that the computer has taken the place of the TV, I would have to say it has taken the torch of life sucking and ran with it quite nicely. However, it isn't technology's fault.
We allow the world to dictate what is right or wrong, good or bad, new or outdated. We love to assume that if its new and a lot of people are doing it then it must be better. Remember the old "if your friends jump off a bridge" analogy ? I think we have all been guilty of jumping off the proverbial cliff of technology rather than scaled our way down at our own discretion. Lets teach our students how to navigate the sea of information at their own discretion, and lets form that discretion on whether or not the "new and improved" version is really that improved. In other words, teach the students how to teach themselves. Lets teach students how to THINK for themselves. That is the main problem behind it all, people don't think. The mind is a terrible thing, at times, and its also a terrible thing to waste.
Wow! That is the only way I can describe this video. I identified with everything in this video. The Kansas State folks have shown a few things that I think we will cover in our podcast later this month.They basically showed everything that is good and bad about technology. In this day and age we worship technology. We act as if we are so advanced and yet we continue a decline in western civilization that no one has seemed to notice until now.
We act as if all these gadgets are going to make us the people that we saw in blade runner and the fifth element. We are supposed to be forming into these technological gurus who know everything about computing devices and guess what, we've succeeded! We are now the most self centered, tech junkie, must-have-the-newest-gadget,multi tasking, shallow shells of what human beings used to be! Aristotle, Jesus, and Edison are probably laughing (or crying) in heaven right now about this. We have lost our quest for knowledge because its just to easy to Google it!
What I'm saying is I look at technology the way I look at smoking weed or drinking (follow me on this). Do the drug, don't let it do you. Technology is doing us now. Rather than using this tool for helping us do our work and make our lives easier and more efficient, we let this lighted box dictate what is important to us. When television was invented a smart man said it would turn people into mindless drones (I'm paraphrasing)and I would say to some extent he was right. Now that the computer has taken the place of the TV, I would have to say it has taken the torch of life sucking and ran with it quite nicely. However, it isn't technology's fault.
We allow the world to dictate what is right or wrong, good or bad, new or outdated. We love to assume that if its new and a lot of people are doing it then it must be better. Remember the old "if your friends jump off a bridge" analogy ? I think we have all been guilty of jumping off the proverbial cliff of technology rather than scaled our way down at our own discretion. Lets teach our students how to navigate the sea of information at their own discretion, and lets form that discretion on whether or not the "new and improved" version is really that improved. In other words, teach the students how to teach themselves. Lets teach students how to THINK for themselves. That is the main problem behind it all, people don't think. The mind is a terrible thing, at times, and its also a terrible thing to waste.
Monday, September 21, 2009
Dr Strange EDM Video Podcast
Hello Blogger peeps
So today I watched what I was able to download from Dr. Strange's Vodcast. I have to say that I'm a little more than happy that I was unable to watch the entire thing. Let me preface this post with this statement: Dr. Strange is a smart man and is responsible for leading classes of future educatirs into the technological new age. With all that respectable admiration out of the way, I have to say this is the most boring 2 minutes of my life!
I understand the fact that this COULD be used as an educational tool, however, like any other tool, you have to use it correctly or its useless. If you hand me a guitar I will know what to do with it, but if you hand me a set of freon gauges and tell me to fix the ac Im going to look at you like a deer in the headlights. Dr. Strange is smart, he is far from a compelling speaker. What I mean is podcasts and vodcasts are supposed to transmit information to the world much like a tv or radio. However if nobody wants to watch or listen to your message, it is useless. I would have had better speakers, better qualty video, and would have made the topic entertaining. If I'm bored, how in the world is a teenager or even a little kid going to pay attention?
So today I watched what I was able to download from Dr. Strange's Vodcast. I have to say that I'm a little more than happy that I was unable to watch the entire thing. Let me preface this post with this statement: Dr. Strange is a smart man and is responsible for leading classes of future educatirs into the technological new age. With all that respectable admiration out of the way, I have to say this is the most boring 2 minutes of my life!
I understand the fact that this COULD be used as an educational tool, however, like any other tool, you have to use it correctly or its useless. If you hand me a guitar I will know what to do with it, but if you hand me a set of freon gauges and tell me to fix the ac Im going to look at you like a deer in the headlights. Dr. Strange is smart, he is far from a compelling speaker. What I mean is podcasts and vodcasts are supposed to transmit information to the world much like a tv or radio. However if nobody wants to watch or listen to your message, it is useless. I would have had better speakers, better qualty video, and would have made the topic entertaining. If I'm bored, how in the world is a teenager or even a little kid going to pay attention?
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Monday, August 31, 2009
Assignment Podcast blog posts
Hello out there in blog land!
This week we were assigned to listen/watch audio and video podcasts. I have to tell you, this assignment has me thinking about creating my own podcast for my own personal use. Podcasts are yet another wonderful tool educators and other professionals can use to get in touch with their students and other clientele. I used a few of Mr. Sullivan's list of podcasts, but I also found a few on my own. I have some preliminary experience with podcasts I have used already.
The first one is entitled Nio Tv. This was a video podcast that basically consisted of a child in a karate class learning how to properly snap kick. First of all, I enjoyed this simply because the kid who was learning was a cute little Asian child whose outfit barely fit him. His instructor was going through the basics and showing hm how to kick the bag. After a few feeble attempts, the child picked up on it and was doing quite well at the end of the lesson. I'm not sure what the purpose of this podcast was, but I can only guess it was for instructional purposes or just for parental documentation; perhaps it was for promotional purposes. This brings me to a discovery I found in these podcasts: they can be used for anything!
Keeping with that discovery in mind, my next podcast was Photofocus. This is (like it sounds) a photography audio podcast. Like majority of pocasts, this one is run like a digital radio show complete with guests and radio personalities. The main difference between this podcast and a radio broad cast is that it is simply exclusive to the subject of photography. I have mild interest in photography so I was mildly interested in the content. I even learned a cool trick on how to get more of your stuff on as carry on luggage at the airport. This leads me to my next discovery about podcasts: itunes will kill the radio!
Moving on in this new discovery, the next podcasts were Mac Break Weekly and KidCast. These both followed the radio format, however the KidCast one was a little more on the informative side and less on that of entertainment/discussion. KidCast basically gave pros and cons of video podcasting versus audio podcasting and quite frankly, I was bored to tears by the time 10 minutes was up. It was informative, but O my God was that guy boring! Mac Break was just as informative, and perhaps because I knew about many of the topics they were discussing it was easier for me to listen to. The Mac guys actually were entertaining to some degree and I even heard some cool information about some audio/video software in which I was unaware. This leads me to discovery number 3: Podcasts are one of the most innovative ways to transmit information I have ever seen.
As I mentioned earlier, I have downloaded podcasts before. Podcasts are used by authors to promote books, and in some cases read entire novels and make them available for their listeners. Musicians have them to promote music, educator teach foreign languages, radio shows record the entire shows for you to hear on an ipod. I enjoyed this assignment and I anxiously await our chance to make ours in class.
By the way, check out the Hot for Words podcast. This is a video podcast done by a very attractive German woman( or some Germanic sounding accent) about word origins and "big words". She no doubt uses her looks to attract downloaders, but she had some interesting stuff on her casts,and she even gave a plug in the episode i saw for a used book purchasing site that may save students money on textbooks! Check her out (and her podcast)!
This week we were assigned to listen/watch audio and video podcasts. I have to tell you, this assignment has me thinking about creating my own podcast for my own personal use. Podcasts are yet another wonderful tool educators and other professionals can use to get in touch with their students and other clientele. I used a few of Mr. Sullivan's list of podcasts, but I also found a few on my own. I have some preliminary experience with podcasts I have used already.
The first one is entitled Nio Tv. This was a video podcast that basically consisted of a child in a karate class learning how to properly snap kick. First of all, I enjoyed this simply because the kid who was learning was a cute little Asian child whose outfit barely fit him. His instructor was going through the basics and showing hm how to kick the bag. After a few feeble attempts, the child picked up on it and was doing quite well at the end of the lesson. I'm not sure what the purpose of this podcast was, but I can only guess it was for instructional purposes or just for parental documentation; perhaps it was for promotional purposes. This brings me to a discovery I found in these podcasts: they can be used for anything!
Keeping with that discovery in mind, my next podcast was Photofocus. This is (like it sounds) a photography audio podcast. Like majority of pocasts, this one is run like a digital radio show complete with guests and radio personalities. The main difference between this podcast and a radio broad cast is that it is simply exclusive to the subject of photography. I have mild interest in photography so I was mildly interested in the content. I even learned a cool trick on how to get more of your stuff on as carry on luggage at the airport. This leads me to my next discovery about podcasts: itunes will kill the radio!
Moving on in this new discovery, the next podcasts were Mac Break Weekly and KidCast. These both followed the radio format, however the KidCast one was a little more on the informative side and less on that of entertainment/discussion. KidCast basically gave pros and cons of video podcasting versus audio podcasting and quite frankly, I was bored to tears by the time 10 minutes was up. It was informative, but O my God was that guy boring! Mac Break was just as informative, and perhaps because I knew about many of the topics they were discussing it was easier for me to listen to. The Mac guys actually were entertaining to some degree and I even heard some cool information about some audio/video software in which I was unaware. This leads me to discovery number 3: Podcasts are one of the most innovative ways to transmit information I have ever seen.
As I mentioned earlier, I have downloaded podcasts before. Podcasts are used by authors to promote books, and in some cases read entire novels and make them available for their listeners. Musicians have them to promote music, educator teach foreign languages, radio shows record the entire shows for you to hear on an ipod. I enjoyed this assignment and I anxiously await our chance to make ours in class.
By the way, check out the Hot for Words podcast. This is a video podcast done by a very attractive German woman( or some Germanic sounding accent) about word origins and "big words". She no doubt uses her looks to attract downloaders, but she had some interesting stuff on her casts,and she even gave a plug in the episode i saw for a used book purchasing site that may save students money on textbooks! Check her out (and her podcast)!
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Sunday, August 23, 2009
Vicki Davis: Harness Your Student's Digital Smarts
Buenos Noches el Blogeritos!
I have just finished watching another video today. This one was about Vicki Davis, a teacher from a small town in southern Georgia who has taken her classroom to the future ( in a matter of speaking). Although the students probably are not familiar with a big city, they are learning new and ever changing technology in their rural community. As the class has advanced, they have even surpassed their instructor in some ways.
This video was both inspiring and insightful. It shows ( similar to the previous video) that if students are given enough room to be creative and inquisitive they will accomplish great things. I had no idea how to create an avatar, or even start a blog when I was in school, and i graduated from high school 6 years ago! Davis should be very proud of the work she's continuing in her school and this will be something I hope I will get to take part in as an educator.
I have just finished watching another video today. This one was about Vicki Davis, a teacher from a small town in southern Georgia who has taken her classroom to the future ( in a matter of speaking). Although the students probably are not familiar with a big city, they are learning new and ever changing technology in their rural community. As the class has advanced, they have even surpassed their instructor in some ways.
This video was both inspiring and insightful. It shows ( similar to the previous video) that if students are given enough room to be creative and inquisitive they will accomplish great things. I had no idea how to create an avatar, or even start a blog when I was in school, and i graduated from high school 6 years ago! Davis should be very proud of the work she's continuing in her school and this will be something I hope I will get to take part in as an educator.
Sir Ken Robinson: The Importance of Creativity
Hey Blog people!
I just finished watching the video about creativity in education. I have to say I have not heard such a profound stance on public education's flaws in nurturing a child's creativity. On top of all that, Sir Robinson is freaking hilarious. I couldn't believe the speech was 20 minutes long; it was as entertaining as it was informative. I had no disagreement in any portion of this video.
The subject matter hits home for me because I fully understand the frustration of having a different outlook on life and definitely have a different way of processing things I'm required to learn. The story about the choreographer was also very eye opening, in this day and time she would've definitely been put on Adoral and been thought to have a learning disorder.
I just finished watching the video about creativity in education. I have to say I have not heard such a profound stance on public education's flaws in nurturing a child's creativity. On top of all that, Sir Robinson is freaking hilarious. I couldn't believe the speech was 20 minutes long; it was as entertaining as it was informative. I had no disagreement in any portion of this video.
The subject matter hits home for me because I fully understand the frustration of having a different outlook on life and definitely have a different way of processing things I'm required to learn. The story about the choreographer was also very eye opening, in this day and time she would've definitely been put on Adoral and been thought to have a learning disorder.
Friday, August 21, 2009
Assignment #1 ( Getting to Know You....Getting to feel free and easy...)
Hello blog reading people of the Internet!
My name is Justin Wall. I am a supposed Junior at South Alabama and I am a Secondary Education/ Language Arts Major. Obviously, I want to be a teacher for a couple of reasons: 1. I'm good with high school and middle school age kids because i have done everything bad they think "grown ups" don't understand, 2. I am a musician and let's face it, the hours are nice for me, and 3. I HATED school ( loved seeing my friends everyday, hated school), but I had a handful of teachers who knew I was better than I let on and I had potential and I want to be like that.
As far as personal information, I'll be 24 years old on August 22nd ( and I'm playing at Serta's that night!). I love music, movies and I've recently become a rejuvenated reader. I never used to read books for fun, but now i find it helps your brain get a workout and it also makes reading for school a little more bearable. I'm actually bald I don't shave my head because I want to, if I didn't I would look like George Castanza from Seinfield. Single and looking, Leo, and enjoy long walks on the beach, Captain Morgan, and Sushi. I have a myspace page for both me and my music (www.myspace.com/thefirstheavymetalcowboy) and i am also on facebook. Send me a message, as you can tell, I love to run my mouth.
My name is Justin Wall. I am a supposed Junior at South Alabama and I am a Secondary Education/ Language Arts Major. Obviously, I want to be a teacher for a couple of reasons: 1. I'm good with high school and middle school age kids because i have done everything bad they think "grown ups" don't understand, 2. I am a musician and let's face it, the hours are nice for me, and 3. I HATED school ( loved seeing my friends everyday, hated school), but I had a handful of teachers who knew I was better than I let on and I had potential and I want to be like that.
As far as personal information, I'll be 24 years old on August 22nd ( and I'm playing at Serta's that night!). I love music, movies and I've recently become a rejuvenated reader. I never used to read books for fun, but now i find it helps your brain get a workout and it also makes reading for school a little more bearable. I'm actually bald I don't shave my head because I want to, if I didn't I would look like George Castanza from Seinfield. Single and looking, Leo, and enjoy long walks on the beach, Captain Morgan, and Sushi. I have a myspace page for both me and my music (www.myspace.com/thefirstheavymetalcowboy) and i am also on facebook. Send me a message, as you can tell, I love to run my mouth.
Assignment #2 ( I know I'm doing the second one first. It's ok)
Hello Blog reader people! I just finished watching the you tube video " Did you know" from 2008. I am not surprised at the information, however I am surprised at how vast the figures were. India is really putting a beating on our educational system, don't you think? To quote the video, India has more honor students than we have, well, students! The video also touched on how fast technology is moving and i suppose it helps put into perspective how quickly we have grown, or declined, as a society.
Now, I know that the audience here primarily is Mr. Sullivan, but don't get upset at me yet. I know technology is wonderful and it's how you make your living and we all have to use it in some way, shape, or form in our daily lives. However what I am saying, is that we as a society (especially the American society) have taken our conveniences for granted once again. Have you ever seen India? Every documentary or news story shows how crappy it is to live there. Grant it, they will show beautiful parts of their culture, but the pretty folklore doesn't negate the cows in the street and poor health conditions, not to mention what the smell of animals and curry must smell like. Who knows India may be great, but my point is that those people as a whole do not have the financial comfort we have here to be able to gain higher knowledge at our leisure.
Technology, such as life, moves fast. It moves much faster than any human can fathom. Have you ever been on vacation and felt as if you just got there and it's time to leave? Have you ever purchased the newest gadget only to find 3 months later it's out of date? Perhaps what one could take from this video of facts, is put your world into perspective. Because all that information can be depressing and thought provoking, it makes me think about the parts of life that are not tangible, that we can't calculate and that are not effected by how fast information can be sent through a single Ethernet connection or be downloaded on an ipod. Figure out what's important to you and thank God (or whatever deity you choose) for what you have and use it to its full potential. Ride this technological horse till it dies or kills you both!
Now, I know that the audience here primarily is Mr. Sullivan, but don't get upset at me yet. I know technology is wonderful and it's how you make your living and we all have to use it in some way, shape, or form in our daily lives. However what I am saying, is that we as a society (especially the American society) have taken our conveniences for granted once again. Have you ever seen India? Every documentary or news story shows how crappy it is to live there. Grant it, they will show beautiful parts of their culture, but the pretty folklore doesn't negate the cows in the street and poor health conditions, not to mention what the smell of animals and curry must smell like. Who knows India may be great, but my point is that those people as a whole do not have the financial comfort we have here to be able to gain higher knowledge at our leisure.
Technology, such as life, moves fast. It moves much faster than any human can fathom. Have you ever been on vacation and felt as if you just got there and it's time to leave? Have you ever purchased the newest gadget only to find 3 months later it's out of date? Perhaps what one could take from this video of facts, is put your world into perspective. Because all that information can be depressing and thought provoking, it makes me think about the parts of life that are not tangible, that we can't calculate and that are not effected by how fast information can be sent through a single Ethernet connection or be downloaded on an ipod. Figure out what's important to you and thank God (or whatever deity you choose) for what you have and use it to its full potential. Ride this technological horse till it dies or kills you both!
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Welcome to My EDM 310 Blog
Hey everyone !
This is my first blog for this class and I'm truly excited about learning about how to use the computer effectively in the classroom. I am a musician and I love learning. This is basically a formality so I am going to stop typing now. I'll talk to you later!
This is my first blog for this class and I'm truly excited about learning about how to use the computer effectively in the classroom. I am a musician and I love learning. This is basically a formality so I am going to stop typing now. I'll talk to you later!
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