Podcasts
The first thing that I noticed about the podcasts were how they just spoke naturally. Not to say that they didn't stumble over their words, which they did very much so, but that they seemed to not really think about what they were going to say, but instead just jumped into the booth and spoke and hope it made sense once it came out. However, they did sound like radio talk shows which made it difficult for me to be interested.
I listened to MacBreak Episode 158. This shed some light on some Mac questions for me. I always wondered why do Mac products become more and more expensive with every product they make. I mean, it started with the iMac, a simple computer, to the iBook to keep up with the notebook era, then the iPod with it's odd navigating circle, and that is where things went down hill. The iPod turned into the iPod nano, one of the most easily lost products I have seen, then the iPod Shuffle, which is even smaller than that! The reason the "iProducts" keep getting more and more expensive is because they keep getting more and more complicated. The iPod Touch and the iPhone are easily their most expensive products (aside from the computers), and they are easily the most complicated products they have. However, they aren't without their positive points as they increase productivity and convenience. I love my iPhone, but if simplifying it would make it cheaper, by all means, do it.
EdTechTalk Episode 181 was especially exciting to me! I am a very hardcore gamer! The discussion was about whether games can fit into curriculum. I believe that they very much can. Given the right programs, it would be all too simple. However, theory can only get anyone so far. Unless instructors are willing to accept gaming into their curriculum, it will remain a theory. I have seen social games and programs at work, so I know that there are ways for people to connect and converse online with a common goal. However, the reason that teachers are reluctant to accept this form of education is that they believe that there should be a line between fun and education. But why can't educating be fun? I am probably one of the fastest typists amongst everyone I know, and it is because, as I was growing up, I had a typing game that would keep pushing me to type faster and would still be teaching me a trait that I would use for the rest of my life. So it can be mixed, they just have to accept it.
I found the podcasts to be extremely interesting. They ranged from a ridiculous amount of topics with just as many point of views and opinions. I can't imagine how many different podcasts there will be in just a few years. The world of podcasting is a large one and will only grow as time goes on. It will become an invaluable learning tool in years to come. Just wait and see.
Media Literacy in the First Grade
Wow... Those kids are way smarter than I was at that age. For that matter, they're smarter than most of the people I graduated with now! They can navigate blogs, they're open-minded, and bright. However, that one child who said that commenting shouldn't ever be negative seems a little naive, since I find that stupid people need reality checks some time and kind words don't always do it. But he's young yet. He'll learn. All I can say is that those kids have a HUGE advantage in education over most places who don't appreciate or have the resources to teach media literacy. Those kids have very bright futures ahead of them.
Little Kids... Big potential
I find it impressive these kids can navigate a url like the back of their hands, before they have reached the age where they can properly formulate sentences. When I was that age, I don't think I was even able to read yet. Then again, there wasn't anything remotely this interesting on the internet when I was a kid. Back when there was nothing worth learning on the net. It's a great thing to teach these kids young, but what about the people our age? Are they just supposed to sit back while the children of tomorrow are being raised to steal their jobs as soon as they're of age? I guess the adults of yesterday don't feel as much value in media literacy as children. What a shame. They're jobs are being threatened by first graders and they don't even realize it.
A Baby and an iPhone
You know what I find the most interesting part about this video? A one year old, who I doubt can feed himself properly, can efficiently use and navigate an iPhone. However, my 56 year old mother, who can cook a full dinner with no power during a hurricane, who owns an iPhone, can barely use the camera for it. But it's ok, she's coming to the age where I'm going to be the one taking care of everything involving technology for her.... Yay, me.....
Sunday, January 31, 2010
Sunday, January 24, 2010
January 24, 2010
Michael Wesch: A Vision of Students Today
That was a great video. Most all of that is very true and but only some of that applies to me. I get, on a good day, about 7 hours of sleep, but usually no more than 5 or 6. Then, while in class, I do not usually pay complete attention to the lecture, as I surf the net more often than not. I most definitely have never had over 100 students in any of my classes though. I have yet to read a single book in its entirety much less 8 of them. Most academic literature I use come from the internet. And about 80% of my teachers know me and my face quite well. Also, I manage my personal life and extra curricular activities pretty well. However, I will greatly agree that most of the things that we learn in college will not help us on the paths we plan to take, nor will they help us deal with the largest issues to deal with in society, such as war, internet predators, or natural disasters, among millions of other issues. And I'm not entirely sure if technology is going to save the students, but it will definitely make things much more convenient and help them through it all.
This video actually made me consider how trivial college is. There are teachers who would forget you just as fast as you arrived. There are issues that people go through everyday that the classroom will never be able to prepare you for. Then, in order to be well energized to go to these classes that don’t really help them, students try to get as much sleep as possible after dealing with all of the homework given to them, leaving them with about 4-8 hours of rest a night. It would have been better if the producer allowed a couple of the students to speak about their experiences. One of the last camera angles where it showed the web of issues the girl would go through was rather difficult to read. Other than those very small obscure issues, everything else was clear, accurate (in most cases), and absolutely brilliant. It was a fantastic and well made film.
"It's Not About the Technology" by Kelly Hines
I completely agree with Parts 1 and 2. In order for trends to evolve, teachers must also evolve the way they teach. They have to motivate themselves to do something creative with the class, because if they rely solely on the text, the students will lose interest and that is where they will start to fall behind in class. Then, once a student falls behind, they will learn less and if they learn nothing, then we have failed as teachers.
Though I will agree that you do not NEED technology to be an effective teacher, I must say that technology will most definitely make your daily routine much simpler, as it can help one plan their curriculum, create lab sheets, and electronically connect the instructor to their students so that can contact them with any concerns they may have. The primary thing that you need above everything is to be creative and innovative during your lectures, that way the students can find ways to relate what they already know to what you are teaching.
Karl Fisch: Is It Okay to Be A Technologically Illiterate Teacher?
I must say that, though that was rather harsh, Mr. Fisch had his points and he made them. It is without question that, with the trend of technological evolution at the rate it is going, every instructor should have, at least, basic knowledge of computer literacy. In this day and age, an instructor who is unable to create a spreadsheet, record grades electronically, or even print out a test has little to no future in the educational industry, ESPECIALLY those teaching the younger, elementary level students as their lack of ability and passion to learn how to effectively use a computer puts off a bad impression on the young students and may give them the impression that computers are more of a luxury than a necessity.
Hopefully, all people of this day and age understand that computer technology is more than just a convenience, it is a tool to maximize productivity. Everyone should realize that the faster an individual can work, the more they can accomplish. No one can argue that printing out a single test 30 times, enough for every student in the class, is a much more efficient use of one’s time and energy than to write down the same test on 30 sheets of paper. At the same time, a person cannot look to find someone who knows how to print said test every time they need it. It would be a much better use of time for everyone if the person just found out how to do it themselves. Much like reading, computers are becoming the new norm of everyday life, and the sooner teachers can get on the ball, they better it will be for those the students as well as themselves.
Gary's Social Media Count
That was trippy. However, as I observed it, I couldn't help but feel that it was an automated counter. So, I read more into the blog, and found that I was correct in my assumption as it is a Flash Application that simulates online activity. Although, had it been a truly active counter, that would have been extremely interesting. That meter would have to stop some time, right? As an instructor, this shows that, though the blackboard is where the classroom learning is, the technology and internet applications will eventually become the best and most efficient way to teach. Branching out to iPhones, blogs, and YouTube will become, if it isn't already, a great way to teach not just your own students, but also any curious mind who becomes interested in what you may have to say. How interesting.
That was a great video. Most all of that is very true and but only some of that applies to me. I get, on a good day, about 7 hours of sleep, but usually no more than 5 or 6. Then, while in class, I do not usually pay complete attention to the lecture, as I surf the net more often than not. I most definitely have never had over 100 students in any of my classes though. I have yet to read a single book in its entirety much less 8 of them. Most academic literature I use come from the internet. And about 80% of my teachers know me and my face quite well. Also, I manage my personal life and extra curricular activities pretty well. However, I will greatly agree that most of the things that we learn in college will not help us on the paths we plan to take, nor will they help us deal with the largest issues to deal with in society, such as war, internet predators, or natural disasters, among millions of other issues. And I'm not entirely sure if technology is going to save the students, but it will definitely make things much more convenient and help them through it all.
This video actually made me consider how trivial college is. There are teachers who would forget you just as fast as you arrived. There are issues that people go through everyday that the classroom will never be able to prepare you for. Then, in order to be well energized to go to these classes that don’t really help them, students try to get as much sleep as possible after dealing with all of the homework given to them, leaving them with about 4-8 hours of rest a night. It would have been better if the producer allowed a couple of the students to speak about their experiences. One of the last camera angles where it showed the web of issues the girl would go through was rather difficult to read. Other than those very small obscure issues, everything else was clear, accurate (in most cases), and absolutely brilliant. It was a fantastic and well made film.
"It's Not About the Technology" by Kelly Hines
I completely agree with Parts 1 and 2. In order for trends to evolve, teachers must also evolve the way they teach. They have to motivate themselves to do something creative with the class, because if they rely solely on the text, the students will lose interest and that is where they will start to fall behind in class. Then, once a student falls behind, they will learn less and if they learn nothing, then we have failed as teachers.
Though I will agree that you do not NEED technology to be an effective teacher, I must say that technology will most definitely make your daily routine much simpler, as it can help one plan their curriculum, create lab sheets, and electronically connect the instructor to their students so that can contact them with any concerns they may have. The primary thing that you need above everything is to be creative and innovative during your lectures, that way the students can find ways to relate what they already know to what you are teaching.
Karl Fisch: Is It Okay to Be A Technologically Illiterate Teacher?
I must say that, though that was rather harsh, Mr. Fisch had his points and he made them. It is without question that, with the trend of technological evolution at the rate it is going, every instructor should have, at least, basic knowledge of computer literacy. In this day and age, an instructor who is unable to create a spreadsheet, record grades electronically, or even print out a test has little to no future in the educational industry, ESPECIALLY those teaching the younger, elementary level students as their lack of ability and passion to learn how to effectively use a computer puts off a bad impression on the young students and may give them the impression that computers are more of a luxury than a necessity.
Hopefully, all people of this day and age understand that computer technology is more than just a convenience, it is a tool to maximize productivity. Everyone should realize that the faster an individual can work, the more they can accomplish. No one can argue that printing out a single test 30 times, enough for every student in the class, is a much more efficient use of one’s time and energy than to write down the same test on 30 sheets of paper. At the same time, a person cannot look to find someone who knows how to print said test every time they need it. It would be a much better use of time for everyone if the person just found out how to do it themselves. Much like reading, computers are becoming the new norm of everyday life, and the sooner teachers can get on the ball, they better it will be for those the students as well as themselves.
Gary's Social Media Count
That was trippy. However, as I observed it, I couldn't help but feel that it was an automated counter. So, I read more into the blog, and found that I was correct in my assumption as it is a Flash Application that simulates online activity. Although, had it been a truly active counter, that would have been extremely interesting. That meter would have to stop some time, right? As an instructor, this shows that, though the blackboard is where the classroom learning is, the technology and internet applications will eventually become the best and most efficient way to teach. Branching out to iPhones, blogs, and YouTube will become, if it isn't already, a great way to teach not just your own students, but also any curious mind who becomes interested in what you may have to say. How interesting.
Friday, January 15, 2010
January 17, 2010
Did You Know? 3.0
This is a video that spouts random facts about the world and even makes a few premonitions about what the future may have in store, including a prediction of a
Wow… That was absolutely mind-blowing. Evolution has seriously played a role in not just the population of the people, but the way the population lives. Whenever I look at my iPhone, I always think about how much cellular phone technology has changed over time, but it’s something else completely when you think about what’s to come in the near future if things continue evolving at the rate it’s going. It seems frightening.
However, there were a few things in the film that I not only found shocking, but also somewhat confusing and unbelievable. Like the fact that India's population of Honor's level children is more than America has children! The entire population of India must completely overwhelm the US population, but does that include the illegal immigrants that we have? I mean, that has to add at least another thousand or so right? And I find it nearly impossible to believe that there are only 540,000 words in the English language. I could have sworn that we had millions and millions of words in our dictionary. I figured we had at least 1 million, but now we know that there is slightly more than half of that. And one last thing that I find amazing is the fact that in 2049 (if the world hasn't ended yet), the standard $1000 computer should be able to out think the entire world's population. That seems pretty out of this world. Just thinking about a computer that powerful makes me wonder exactly how long will it be before technology starts to think for itself and may possibly become self-sufficient, or possibly even a threat to humanity. Frightening thought.
Mr. Winkle Wakes
The story of Rip Van Winkle awakening after 100 years to find that the world had changed greatly. So great, to the point where it made Mr. Winkle sick to his stomach. There he finds that even the hospitals have become technologically advanced, which makes him uncomfortable so he leaves. He then comes across a school with students sitting quietly as the teacher lectures with a computer in the back of the room collecting dust, which gave him comfort.
At first, I didn't really understand the moral of the story, but after I watched it another couple of times, I think I finally get it. It's about the evolution of the world around us in all parts of the professional world, such as traffic safety, media, and medicine. However, the technology seems to have skipped over schools.
What's up with that? With the way the world is these days, we should be looking to the future by providing students with the tools they need for the continuously evolving trend of technology. If we continue to only use school books and lectures on them and ignore the media, they may be losing a lot of time to figure out these computer skills which can either make or break them in the long run. The sooner they learn how to master computer skills, they better off they will be in their future. Not just in school assignments, but also in helping them to decide on a career choice.
School Kills Skills
He, on top of being completely hilarious, is absolutely brilliant and correct. It's true that, in an effort on part of schools to bring all children and students to the same status quo, they great cripple the creativity of most people from a very young age. How often are children, who are just expressing themselves in art or writing, are told "That's not right, fix it!"? Back then, I used to think it was nothing more than a teacher teaching them something, however, now, I have come to realize that there's a lot more to it than that. These teachers are making them afraid to be wrong and that keeps them from trying to avoid being wrong. What a terribly sad fate. It's a lot like the elephant. At a young age, the elephant is tied to a stake and is unable to escape it, then when they are older, they remember how futile it was to try to move, so they prefer not to try. It's the same thing for children. They just figure "what's the point in trying if I would get just as much accomplished if I did nothing?" The schools should stick to correct the children on facts instead of criticizing them when they are being creative. If they are doing homework and got something incorrect, fix it, but if they are drawing or writing, leave them be.
Your Students' Digital Smarts
Mrs. Vicki Davis uses all forms of technology to educate her students, from cell phones to blogging, and even the online program called Open Sim, a gaming style platform that uses avatars to help students and teacher interact in an online 3-d world. She brings to light that student struggle primarily in the classrooms that use only ink and paper to teach. Also, she teaches to benefit each student based on their interests, instead of teaching them based on the curriculum. They also made use of Digi-teen in order to connect and share information with one another.
I can easily say that if my grade school had used anything even remotely close to what they did in their classroom, it would have made my experience there so much more effective. I could tell you honestly right now that I could not recall or even care less about anything I learned in high school or lower because not a bit of it mattered to me. It all seemed so droll and boring. They never tried to make anything matter to us. Looking back it seemed as though they were only trying to justify their paychecks. They didn't care that it didn't matter to us so long as they were teaching it. And that is the flaw with the teaching I grew up with. Use of technology will definitely play a role in my classroom. I also plan to make sure that it matters to them, because I know first hand that if they don't care about it, they won't learn a bit of it.
This is a video that spouts random facts about the world and even makes a few premonitions about what the future may have in store, including a prediction of a
Wow… That was absolutely mind-blowing. Evolution has seriously played a role in not just the population of the people, but the way the population lives. Whenever I look at my iPhone, I always think about how much cellular phone technology has changed over time, but it’s something else completely when you think about what’s to come in the near future if things continue evolving at the rate it’s going. It seems frightening.
However, there were a few things in the film that I not only found shocking, but also somewhat confusing and unbelievable. Like the fact that India's population of Honor's level children is more than America has children! The entire population of India must completely overwhelm the US population, but does that include the illegal immigrants that we have? I mean, that has to add at least another thousand or so right? And I find it nearly impossible to believe that there are only 540,000 words in the English language. I could have sworn that we had millions and millions of words in our dictionary. I figured we had at least 1 million, but now we know that there is slightly more than half of that. And one last thing that I find amazing is the fact that in 2049 (if the world hasn't ended yet), the standard $1000 computer should be able to out think the entire world's population. That seems pretty out of this world. Just thinking about a computer that powerful makes me wonder exactly how long will it be before technology starts to think for itself and may possibly become self-sufficient, or possibly even a threat to humanity. Frightening thought.
Mr. Winkle Wakes
The story of Rip Van Winkle awakening after 100 years to find that the world had changed greatly. So great, to the point where it made Mr. Winkle sick to his stomach. There he finds that even the hospitals have become technologically advanced, which makes him uncomfortable so he leaves. He then comes across a school with students sitting quietly as the teacher lectures with a computer in the back of the room collecting dust, which gave him comfort.
At first, I didn't really understand the moral of the story, but after I watched it another couple of times, I think I finally get it. It's about the evolution of the world around us in all parts of the professional world, such as traffic safety, media, and medicine. However, the technology seems to have skipped over schools.
What's up with that? With the way the world is these days, we should be looking to the future by providing students with the tools they need for the continuously evolving trend of technology. If we continue to only use school books and lectures on them and ignore the media, they may be losing a lot of time to figure out these computer skills which can either make or break them in the long run. The sooner they learn how to master computer skills, they better off they will be in their future. Not just in school assignments, but also in helping them to decide on a career choice.
School Kills Skills
He, on top of being completely hilarious, is absolutely brilliant and correct. It's true that, in an effort on part of schools to bring all children and students to the same status quo, they great cripple the creativity of most people from a very young age. How often are children, who are just expressing themselves in art or writing, are told "That's not right, fix it!"? Back then, I used to think it was nothing more than a teacher teaching them something, however, now, I have come to realize that there's a lot more to it than that. These teachers are making them afraid to be wrong and that keeps them from trying to avoid being wrong. What a terribly sad fate. It's a lot like the elephant. At a young age, the elephant is tied to a stake and is unable to escape it, then when they are older, they remember how futile it was to try to move, so they prefer not to try. It's the same thing for children. They just figure "what's the point in trying if I would get just as much accomplished if I did nothing?" The schools should stick to correct the children on facts instead of criticizing them when they are being creative. If they are doing homework and got something incorrect, fix it, but if they are drawing or writing, leave them be.
Your Students' Digital Smarts
Mrs. Vicki Davis uses all forms of technology to educate her students, from cell phones to blogging, and even the online program called Open Sim, a gaming style platform that uses avatars to help students and teacher interact in an online 3-d world. She brings to light that student struggle primarily in the classrooms that use only ink and paper to teach. Also, she teaches to benefit each student based on their interests, instead of teaching them based on the curriculum. They also made use of Digi-teen in order to connect and share information with one another.
I can easily say that if my grade school had used anything even remotely close to what they did in their classroom, it would have made my experience there so much more effective. I could tell you honestly right now that I could not recall or even care less about anything I learned in high school or lower because not a bit of it mattered to me. It all seemed so droll and boring. They never tried to make anything matter to us. Looking back it seemed as though they were only trying to justify their paychecks. They didn't care that it didn't matter to us so long as they were teaching it. And that is the flaw with the teaching I grew up with. Use of technology will definitely play a role in my classroom. I also plan to make sure that it matters to them, because I know first hand that if they don't care about it, they won't learn a bit of it.
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