This show was not only intriguing and invoking, but also a little scary. I think that the internet has now become "part-of" this new generations life. It is no longer a place that they visit or see as separate. Children are connecting with friends via the internet, expressing themselves and trying on new persona's to figure out who they are and who they want to be.
I think it is great! What an awesome new world we live in. Where children can reach out to so many others and relate with them, share their strengths, accomplishments and challenges. It is a great way to stay connected and get connected. It is something that I know I would have taken too immediately growing up.
On the flip-side, I think children could easy get lost and blur the lines between reality and virtual reality. One big concern here is that children, especially ones without a solid repertoire of emotional and social skills, will rely more on the virtual world to express themselves than face-to-face interaction. We cannot lose touch with the impact human experience is like when in the presence of another human.
It was talked about in the video, an in class, that students are much more cruel in the virtual arena than when confronted in person. It is like a veil for them to hide behind (adults too). You cannot see, even with virtual cameras, how written comments can effect one's feelings, in my opinion.
Even though I have some concerns for my students, and my own son, growing up in this new technologically advanced world, I feel the this time in history is one I want to be part of. The internet has changed are world dramatically. It is changing how we teach, communicate and raise are children. It needs to be engaged, examined, explored and embraced! There is no going back...
Monday, April 5, 2010
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
iPad vs. Netbooks
Ipad versus the established netbooks, which one will rule the technology markets in the new niche area? In class we just read two articles giving the opposing points of view. I agree with Mike Elgan that the iPads are going to be a game changer.
Today, Monday April 5th, I visited the Mac Rumors website and read this headlines:
"Apple Sells Over 300,000 iPads on First Day". In my opinion, the iPads are going to overtake the Netbooks in the near future. Apple seems to be making a huge surge in the technology market in the past 5-7 years. Every time you turn around they have a new product being introduced that is shaking things up and making news.
Until the other night in class I had never heard of Netbooks. I may be a little slow on the uptake with the latest and greatest technology pieces, but I had definitely heard rumors about the iPad before I'd signed up for class.
I spent the last fifteen minutes looking at both the Dell Netbooks and Apple iPad websites. The apple site is so clean and easy to get around. The Dell site seemed overloaded with information and options. Apple is making it easier to use technology and the iPad is going to make it even easier. This one was a no brainer on which side of the fence to fall.
Today, Monday April 5th, I visited the Mac Rumors website and read this headlines:
"Apple Sells Over 300,000 iPads on First Day". In my opinion, the iPads are going to overtake the Netbooks in the near future. Apple seems to be making a huge surge in the technology market in the past 5-7 years. Every time you turn around they have a new product being introduced that is shaking things up and making news.
Until the other night in class I had never heard of Netbooks. I may be a little slow on the uptake with the latest and greatest technology pieces, but I had definitely heard rumors about the iPad before I'd signed up for class.
I spent the last fifteen minutes looking at both the Dell Netbooks and Apple iPad websites. The apple site is so clean and easy to get around. The Dell site seemed overloaded with information and options. Apple is making it easier to use technology and the iPad is going to make it even easier. This one was a no brainer on which side of the fence to fall.
Monday, March 29, 2010
Ithaca College "Tech Day"
I had a really good time at the Ithaca College "Tech Day". I would recommend it to any individuals interested in learning about technology and the current issues surrounding the use and implementation of technology products. i was able to attend four and a half short seminars.
I started my day at the Smart Notebook Math Tools workshop. Having a Smartboard in my classroom I was very interested to attend. I found it very professional and it gave me a few new tips to use. The next workshop was about Podcasting. The workshop had numerous "technical" difficulties. The presenter was mostly using "Garageband", which we are all familiar with. I spot "Professor Karl" over in the front row attentively watching and listening. I was not overly impressed with the presenters style, but the content was great.
The Free Software workshop was excellent. I definitely need to become more resourceful in my ability to gain access to software working on a teacher's salary. The most informative time was a half-hour symposium on "When Social Worlds Collide". I believe the presenters name was Dr. Jean Baker. She was excellent. She did a study to see if college level students would connect more with each other and the content of the class if social media networking tools were used. She found "ZERO" evidence to support her hypothesis. She made the point that college students are now coming to school with a vast degree of social networking outlets, but are not able to make the connection on how to use them in an academic setting.
Anyway, it was an excellent day and I would highly recommend it to anyone for next year.
I started my day at the Smart Notebook Math Tools workshop. Having a Smartboard in my classroom I was very interested to attend. I found it very professional and it gave me a few new tips to use. The next workshop was about Podcasting. The workshop had numerous "technical" difficulties. The presenter was mostly using "Garageband", which we are all familiar with. I spot "Professor Karl" over in the front row attentively watching and listening. I was not overly impressed with the presenters style, but the content was great.
The Free Software workshop was excellent. I definitely need to become more resourceful in my ability to gain access to software working on a teacher's salary. The most informative time was a half-hour symposium on "When Social Worlds Collide". I believe the presenters name was Dr. Jean Baker. She was excellent. She did a study to see if college level students would connect more with each other and the content of the class if social media networking tools were used. She found "ZERO" evidence to support her hypothesis. She made the point that college students are now coming to school with a vast degree of social networking outlets, but are not able to make the connection on how to use them in an academic setting.
Anyway, it was an excellent day and I would highly recommend it to anyone for next year.
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
GarageBand & Midi Songs
I really enjoyed myself last night in class. The more I attend class and get to use a Mac the more I want to have one! I started a project with a friend six months ago buying pieces needed to build a computer on-line. I've always wanted to learn how to build my own PC. This was pre-class. Now I want to buy a Mac, but the problem is my friend has already purchased the parts to build the computer. Yes, I could ask him to resell the parts on-line. However, we've already had the conversation once about purchasing a Mac verses a PC. He is adamant that he believes Mac's are way over priced! I would tend to agree that the Mac are a little over priced, but then I come to class and learn that I could take piano and guitar lessons through Garage Band! It is an interesting dilemma that will work itself out.
I did know anything about Midi's before last night. I could see where importing them into Garage Band could be hours of fun. Regarding the issue whether or not what we created was an original piece of work was intriguing. I would lean toward, "No". We are working off of a piece of art that was created by someone else. The alterations that we were making are not sufficient enough to be called a new piece of art. Anyway, that is my 2-cents. Great class!
I did know anything about Midi's before last night. I could see where importing them into Garage Band could be hours of fun. Regarding the issue whether or not what we created was an original piece of work was intriguing. I would lean toward, "No". We are working off of a piece of art that was created by someone else. The alterations that we were making are not sufficient enough to be called a new piece of art. Anyway, that is my 2-cents. Great class!
Monday, March 22, 2010
Presentation Night
I thought both of the presentations that I was able to view were really informative. I like all the information about "Adaptive Technology" that is available to help students learn. I also enjoy the presentation about "Going Green". We are doing a lot of things different in my school connected with going green. This presentation gave me a few more ideas to introduce. I am disappointed that I did not get to see the other topics being presented... A week off has been nice, but I am looking forward to coming to class tomorrow night and getting to mess around with "Garage Band" More!
Friday, February 26, 2010
GarageBand
While working on my presentation I came across the correct name of the software we will be working on: "GarageBand" Not "GarageMusic" - opps. :-)
Music File Size
The last class has pushed me over the edge...my next computer has to be a MAC! They are so easy to learn. I love having all software programs right on the desktop. I would agree with Karl that the column view is the best. It makes locating information very easy. I also like how you can click-drag-drop files on the Mac. Yes, you can do that on a PC too. Although, it just seems easier to work with on the Mac's.
The part of class where we listening to the different file sizes definitely made it easier to understand how music quality can vary. I'm looking forward to using the software program called "Garage Music" (I think that's it?). Anyway, not sure what else to say except, "I WANT A MAC!"
The part of class where we listening to the different file sizes definitely made it easier to understand how music quality can vary. I'm looking forward to using the software program called "Garage Music" (I think that's it?). Anyway, not sure what else to say except, "I WANT A MAC!"
Saturday, February 13, 2010
Copyright Infringement Video
I found the video about "Copyright Infringement" to be very interesting. I have definitely been a bad teacher in the past. I was going to incriminate myself, but I'm sure everyone reading this posting can guess what I have done. Will I stop doing it? I'm not sure. There is definitely value in reading the book and then watching the movie as a culminating activity or reward.
In the past I have read books and then watched the movie and tied the two together. I have found using a Venn Diagram to compare the two versions is a great activity. When I taught fifth grade I took it a step further and had my students write their book/movie reports from the perspective of which one was better. So, again, it raises the question, "Will I stop because this activity may land me in hot water with my bosses or come big corporation?" My gut response is no. I am a type A personality. I do not like being told what I can and cannot do. Which is interesting to me that I chose to enter an field where so much is dictated to me. The truth is I do not have complete autonomy in my job. I do have to answer to my principal, my superintendent and the board of education (if my actions warranted their review of my position).
On the flip side, I do have some control. When the door closes and it is me and my twenty students. I am the one in charge. I decide how the information is delivered. I like what Karl said in class about bringing a situation out in the public if a major corporation, or one of its lackeys, were trying to stop me from using their information to enhance my curriculum. By doing this it might save my job if I were ever in a tight spot. Or it may not.
This topic is making me think more about the information that I use in my curriculum. What could be taken out that is controversial? What could be construed as copyright infringement? What do I steal off the Internet that is breaking the law? I need to think carefully about this issue because I like my job. I do not want to be a pure pawn or drone teacher that teaches to the "tests". I like Karl's comment that, "teachers are purveyors of culture and information" (paraphrasing a bit because I do not remember exactly how he put it). I know to some extent that I am a pawn in the system and lack a certain level of control in what I do in my teaching practices. Although, I enjoy getting off the "Grid", per say, and will keep teaching on the edge. What I won't do is go talking about it around the teachers lounge, water cooler or in the main office.
The last thing I have to say is I listened to an interesting news story this morning on NPR about the "Fair Use" information act. From what I learned from the news story is that it is the step-child of the copyright infringement act. Regardless, I need to learn more about both of these topics. I do not want to be a teacher that gets him/herself in trouble because I do not know the law. If I know the law, then I can decide whether or not the rewards out way the risks and consequences of being caught. In my opinion, knowing the information and the law is the most important part. Being in the dark is being ignorant and lazy on my part.
In the past I have read books and then watched the movie and tied the two together. I have found using a Venn Diagram to compare the two versions is a great activity. When I taught fifth grade I took it a step further and had my students write their book/movie reports from the perspective of which one was better. So, again, it raises the question, "Will I stop because this activity may land me in hot water with my bosses or come big corporation?" My gut response is no. I am a type A personality. I do not like being told what I can and cannot do. Which is interesting to me that I chose to enter an field where so much is dictated to me. The truth is I do not have complete autonomy in my job. I do have to answer to my principal, my superintendent and the board of education (if my actions warranted their review of my position).
On the flip side, I do have some control. When the door closes and it is me and my twenty students. I am the one in charge. I decide how the information is delivered. I like what Karl said in class about bringing a situation out in the public if a major corporation, or one of its lackeys, were trying to stop me from using their information to enhance my curriculum. By doing this it might save my job if I were ever in a tight spot. Or it may not.
This topic is making me think more about the information that I use in my curriculum. What could be taken out that is controversial? What could be construed as copyright infringement? What do I steal off the Internet that is breaking the law? I need to think carefully about this issue because I like my job. I do not want to be a pure pawn or drone teacher that teaches to the "tests". I like Karl's comment that, "teachers are purveyors of culture and information" (paraphrasing a bit because I do not remember exactly how he put it). I know to some extent that I am a pawn in the system and lack a certain level of control in what I do in my teaching practices. Although, I enjoy getting off the "Grid", per say, and will keep teaching on the edge. What I won't do is go talking about it around the teachers lounge, water cooler or in the main office.
The last thing I have to say is I listened to an interesting news story this morning on NPR about the "Fair Use" information act. From what I learned from the news story is that it is the step-child of the copyright infringement act. Regardless, I need to learn more about both of these topics. I do not want to be a teacher that gets him/herself in trouble because I do not know the law. If I know the law, then I can decide whether or not the rewards out way the risks and consequences of being caught. In my opinion, knowing the information and the law is the most important part. Being in the dark is being ignorant and lazy on my part.
Saturday, February 6, 2010
Crash Course
I found the video “Crash Course” to be truly mind blowing. To think that we, as a nation, are creating money out of thin air to cover our debts is extremely concerning. Chris Martenson’s example of the destruction of the former Yugoslavian currency helped put it into perspective for me. To have an inflationary rate of 37% and prices doubling every 48hours would be shocking! It must have created chaos in the consumption of resources. His concrete example of the buying power, or lack thereof, when he talked about having a billion dollars and in less than five months it would be worth one cent helped me to see that we might MIGHT be headed for disaster in our country. Or, we may have already arrived. The ability to keep up with the cost of living and save money is incredible difficult.
The flip side of this video for me is that we cannot predict the future. Yes, the past can be a good indicator of where we might be going, but it not for certain. We I do keep hearing is that in the past ten years the message our country is in trouble is being communicated in many different venues and by many different groups. Maybe it is because we are in the last five minutes of Fenway Park being filled up by water and can see that we are in trouble? Maybe it is because the major recession our country is going through? Maybe it is because people believe that there is still hope of turning the economy, energy and environmental crisis around; for the United States of America, as well as, the rest of the world.
So, are we on a crash course for disaster – perhaps? I cannot say that I understand all the economic implications that Chris talked about in his presentation. Although, he presents many thought provoking concepts and topics. I’ve watched the video entirely once, gone back on two different occasions, and can see where it will need to be revisited again.
Mike
The flip side of this video for me is that we cannot predict the future. Yes, the past can be a good indicator of where we might be going, but it not for certain. We I do keep hearing is that in the past ten years the message our country is in trouble is being communicated in many different venues and by many different groups. Maybe it is because we are in the last five minutes of Fenway Park being filled up by water and can see that we are in trouble? Maybe it is because the major recession our country is going through? Maybe it is because people believe that there is still hope of turning the economy, energy and environmental crisis around; for the United States of America, as well as, the rest of the world.
So, are we on a crash course for disaster – perhaps? I cannot say that I understand all the economic implications that Chris talked about in his presentation. Although, he presents many thought provoking concepts and topics. I’ve watched the video entirely once, gone back on two different occasions, and can see where it will need to be revisited again.
Mike
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
IPad Classroom Discussion
It has taken me some time to get my post up about the new IPad from apple; however, it has definitely been on my mind. I first watched the apple press release on my own. Then picked ten minutes worth of the press release and watched it with my fourth grade class. My student's were very excited about the new IPad! They immediately asked if I was going to purchase one, which I would love to have.
I asked them the hypothetical questions, "What do you think it would be like if we each had one for our literature circles?" First, I got the typically fourth grade response, "Cool!", but after some more probing a few students gave it more thought. One child asked if we would be able to communicate between IPad's? Like they do on their DSI systems. They also asked about if they could write on the IPad's? Like we do on the smartboard in our classroom.
It was a very interesting conversation. There seemed to be no fear in their view of using the new technology in class. I must admit that my student's are used to a lot of technology in their learning this year. We were fortunate enough to have one of two new smartboards installed in my room. It came with 24 hand-controlled clickers that we have been using for quizzes, on the spot assessments and tests. It would be interesting to have the same conversation with another fourth grade class where the teacher is still using the chalkboard and overhead transparencies?
The conversation in my class sparked the question in me, "Would an IPad for every student enhance my ability to help student's learning experience?" The answer for me is a resounding "Yes". I think the IPad is an awesome new piece of technology that will slowly work it's way into the public education system. Today, I incorporated my smartboard with introducing the new Weekly Reader magazine about the upcoming 2010 Winter Olympics. I captured their attention with a quick three-minute video and then showed them on Google Earth where Vancouver, British Colombia is. It would have been great to tell them to turn on their IPads and open the new electronic Weekly Reader!
Mike
I asked them the hypothetical questions, "What do you think it would be like if we each had one for our literature circles?" First, I got the typically fourth grade response, "Cool!", but after some more probing a few students gave it more thought. One child asked if we would be able to communicate between IPad's? Like they do on their DSI systems. They also asked about if they could write on the IPad's? Like we do on the smartboard in our classroom.
It was a very interesting conversation. There seemed to be no fear in their view of using the new technology in class. I must admit that my student's are used to a lot of technology in their learning this year. We were fortunate enough to have one of two new smartboards installed in my room. It came with 24 hand-controlled clickers that we have been using for quizzes, on the spot assessments and tests. It would be interesting to have the same conversation with another fourth grade class where the teacher is still using the chalkboard and overhead transparencies?
The conversation in my class sparked the question in me, "Would an IPad for every student enhance my ability to help student's learning experience?" The answer for me is a resounding "Yes". I think the IPad is an awesome new piece of technology that will slowly work it's way into the public education system. Today, I incorporated my smartboard with introducing the new Weekly Reader magazine about the upcoming 2010 Winter Olympics. I captured their attention with a quick three-minute video and then showed them on Google Earth where Vancouver, British Colombia is. It would have been great to tell them to turn on their IPads and open the new electronic Weekly Reader!
Mike
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