A critical look at Marc Prensky's writing on Digital Natives/Digital Immigrants.
Digital Nativism
Another view of the generations before and after the iPod. Food for thought.
Monday, May 30, 2011
Monday, May 23, 2011
The Human Element
Great Dow Chemical commercial... what teachers are all about: The Human Element. Lest we techies forget ;-)
21st Century Enlightenment
Got to watch this video all the way through... it has a lot to say about how we do schooling and incentivize learning. What kind of classroom/school can you envision given this view of motivation?
theRSAorg's Channel Ken Robinson
Here's a YouTube channel that does some really cool things with a whiteboard and marker... the Ken Robinson is just one of many. May give you some masterpiece ideas.
YouTube - theRSAorg's Channel
YouTube - theRSAorg's Channel
Heads Up - Interact With Tact - OnGuard Online
Good source for kids of all ages to bone up on 'netiquet' and info about online security issues. There are also links to videos that address these same issues.
Heads Up - Interact With Tact - OnGuard Online
Heads Up - Interact With Tact - OnGuard Online
Scholastic | Expert Space Digital Curriculum in Science & Social Studies
I don't usually offer up a commercial resource but this one caught my eye. It's from Scholastic a fairly trusted name in educational resources. I see that there is a free trial so if you want to give it a try I think others would like to know what you think.
No, I don't own any Scholastic stock.
Content-Area Support | Expert Space Digital Curriculum in Science & Social Studies
No, I don't own any Scholastic stock.
Content-Area Support | Expert Space Digital Curriculum in Science & Social Studies
Introducing Gmail Motion
Amazing development in communications... wonder what impact this will have on education.
YouTube - Introducing Gmail Motion
Where does your imagination take this idea?
YouTube - Introducing Gmail Motion
Where does your imagination take this idea?
Monday, May 16, 2011
Next Project: Important
This is a long post, but it's important (I'll upload to Google Docs also):
Projects #4 & #5
At our first meeting I promised to front-load the work for this class because I know many of you are toiling in K-12 teaching trenches and I’m aware of the craziness of the last few weeks of school. To that end I’m combining the last two projects into one. There are a number of topics we have not explored this term, web safety issues for example. However, we have uncovered a curriculum that I had not anticipated back in January when I first started assembling tools and topics for 675. Together, in addition to all the Google tools, we’ve found Symbaloo, Prezi, Voki, Xtranormal, and a bevy of other useful and fun tools and resources. So here’s the deal:
Project #4 was to engage you in a team project, working with two other classmates to create a product that would benefit kids (paraphrased and in a nutshell). Project #5 was to create a product that summarized what you learned in EDUC 675 without resorting to a written paper… use as many web 2.0 tools to tell a story about what you learned and what you plan to do with your new found powers.
The final project is a mash-up. Work with other classmates to discuss the future of education in light of new and emerging technologies (web 2.0 tools for example). After this discussion goes on for a week or two each persons shares with others what he/she plans for an ‘EDUC 675 Masterpiece”. Wikipedia defines masterpiece in this way: “Originally, the term masterpiece referred to a piece of work produced by an apprentice or journeyman aspiring to become a master craftsman in the old European guild system”. That’s what I’m talking about.
This is what I have in mind: I encourage you to work closely with classmates with whom you might like to consult… I’ll give you each other’s email addresses, you have access to all the blogs via the list at the end of my blog. You all may work together with one discussion or you may break into smaller groups for a discussion in Google Docs. I’ll monitor the discussion and join in when I feel like it. We’ll see who wants to be a leader to start up a discussion and who wants to be a worker bee. No extra credit, not bonus points or brownie points just an honest discussion about what was learned, what was missing, what might come next in your technology journey. Kick it around and then in a couple of weeks (see dates below) each person nails down a project that demonstrates what she/he has learned and what comes next in the journey to lead kids into 21st century success.
Amorphous assignment? You bet! But, I have confidence in your ability and drive to do a creative and bang-up job that will blow my socks off. In the process of setting your own bar I believe you’ll encourage and support your colleagues to achieve greater heights. It would not surprise me if individuals sent drafts of projects to each other for critique, for example.
OK, here are the steps:
1. I’ll open a Google Doc where you all can discuss. Remember use the INSERT pull-down and select COMMENT to add to the discussion. I would imagine you’ll have private conversations via email/phone/text. After a while I expect some of you to start your own Google Doc discussion with a subgroup, perhaps based on content or grade level interests (or some other classification based on personality type or some personal or professional characteristic I have not thought of). Just as in the classroom be aware of not leaving anyone out (that means that each person must participate in discussions and speak up if feeling left out).
2. In the discussion tell your story… what did you learn, what was missing, what next steps are in store, where you’d like to be, technologically speaking, a year from now. Mention but don’t dwell on, obstacles to current/future success. Who is the teacher you’d like to be. Ask for ideas and advice from classmates.
3. Break off from the pack and do a web 2.0 masterpiece that encapsulates your story. Send me a link and share it with your classmates.
Dates to remember:
Now through May 25: Join the conversation about what it means to create a masterpiece. Start with my Google Docs document, add comments, form your own conversation groups. Don’t forget to share with me.
May 25. Send me an update on your masterpiece plan. What are you thinking about doing, what tools are you planning to use? I’ll post a Google Form for this.
June 6. Submit your masterpiece.
In the meantime:
• Continue to blog (perhaps a running commentary on your quest for a masterpiece?)
• Continue to read and comment on my blog. You may find some help here or a blog topic.
• Email me if you have a particularly sticky problem.
Projects #4 & #5
At our first meeting I promised to front-load the work for this class because I know many of you are toiling in K-12 teaching trenches and I’m aware of the craziness of the last few weeks of school. To that end I’m combining the last two projects into one. There are a number of topics we have not explored this term, web safety issues for example. However, we have uncovered a curriculum that I had not anticipated back in January when I first started assembling tools and topics for 675. Together, in addition to all the Google tools, we’ve found Symbaloo, Prezi, Voki, Xtranormal, and a bevy of other useful and fun tools and resources. So here’s the deal:
Project #4 was to engage you in a team project, working with two other classmates to create a product that would benefit kids (paraphrased and in a nutshell). Project #5 was to create a product that summarized what you learned in EDUC 675 without resorting to a written paper… use as many web 2.0 tools to tell a story about what you learned and what you plan to do with your new found powers.
The final project is a mash-up. Work with other classmates to discuss the future of education in light of new and emerging technologies (web 2.0 tools for example). After this discussion goes on for a week or two each persons shares with others what he/she plans for an ‘EDUC 675 Masterpiece”. Wikipedia defines masterpiece in this way: “Originally, the term masterpiece referred to a piece of work produced by an apprentice or journeyman aspiring to become a master craftsman in the old European guild system”. That’s what I’m talking about.
This is what I have in mind: I encourage you to work closely with classmates with whom you might like to consult… I’ll give you each other’s email addresses, you have access to all the blogs via the list at the end of my blog. You all may work together with one discussion or you may break into smaller groups for a discussion in Google Docs. I’ll monitor the discussion and join in when I feel like it. We’ll see who wants to be a leader to start up a discussion and who wants to be a worker bee. No extra credit, not bonus points or brownie points just an honest discussion about what was learned, what was missing, what might come next in your technology journey. Kick it around and then in a couple of weeks (see dates below) each person nails down a project that demonstrates what she/he has learned and what comes next in the journey to lead kids into 21st century success.
Amorphous assignment? You bet! But, I have confidence in your ability and drive to do a creative and bang-up job that will blow my socks off. In the process of setting your own bar I believe you’ll encourage and support your colleagues to achieve greater heights. It would not surprise me if individuals sent drafts of projects to each other for critique, for example.
OK, here are the steps:
1. I’ll open a Google Doc where you all can discuss. Remember use the INSERT pull-down and select COMMENT to add to the discussion. I would imagine you’ll have private conversations via email/phone/text. After a while I expect some of you to start your own Google Doc discussion with a subgroup, perhaps based on content or grade level interests (or some other classification based on personality type or some personal or professional characteristic I have not thought of). Just as in the classroom be aware of not leaving anyone out (that means that each person must participate in discussions and speak up if feeling left out).
2. In the discussion tell your story… what did you learn, what was missing, what next steps are in store, where you’d like to be, technologically speaking, a year from now. Mention but don’t dwell on, obstacles to current/future success. Who is the teacher you’d like to be. Ask for ideas and advice from classmates.
3. Break off from the pack and do a web 2.0 masterpiece that encapsulates your story. Send me a link and share it with your classmates.
Dates to remember:
Now through May 25: Join the conversation about what it means to create a masterpiece. Start with my Google Docs document, add comments, form your own conversation groups. Don’t forget to share with me.
May 25. Send me an update on your masterpiece plan. What are you thinking about doing, what tools are you planning to use? I’ll post a Google Form for this.
June 6. Submit your masterpiece.
In the meantime:
• Continue to blog (perhaps a running commentary on your quest for a masterpiece?)
• Continue to read and comment on my blog. You may find some help here or a blog topic.
• Email me if you have a particularly sticky problem.
Thursday, May 12, 2011
New Project Sign-in
I've added a new project sign in for project #3 near the bottom of this blog. Follow the directions there when you are ready to share your staff development presentation with me.
Monday, May 9, 2011
YouTube Resources for Web 2.0 Tools
Just found DiscoveryEd2010Web on YouTube. There are 7 videos that cover all sorts of web 2.0 tools appropriate for education. Many of the tools are ones we have explored but some are new to us (me, too). The guys in the videos are entertaining and the video editing is slick. Worth a look if you need some ideas for new tools or how to use the ones you already know.
Friday, May 6, 2011
Project #3: More Info
From the Assignments and Projects Document:
I would expect a demonstration that includes some elements that you've learned so far in EDUC 675 to show your audience the features (what the elements can do) and benefits (how they can improve teaching and learning) of Google docs, Symbaloo, Weebly, Voki, Wordle, XtraNormal, subject specific sites, etc. You may choose an audience (see examples above) and imagine that you are the expert (you really are) who is leading your chosen audience to use or promote more technology use in classrooms. Your job is to be convincing as well as entertaining. The final product will be a Google Docs Presentation or if you looking for a new experience, a Prezi. Use the speaker notes feature in Google Docs Presentations as a script for yourself or a written explanation of how your demonstration will be used. Use links to sites and examples of work you have done. My fondest wish is for you to actually use this presentation with a real audience and report back that you really wowed them. Make this a 10 minute presentation.
May 15: Project # 3 - Persuasive Preso: Features and Benefits. Audience: to department teachers, technology committee to allow access to Web 2.0 tools, Board of Education for more technology and access, other named audience. Should be mixed media, approximately 10 minutes.
I would expect a demonstration that includes some elements that you've learned so far in EDUC 675 to show your audience the features (what the elements can do) and benefits (how they can improve teaching and learning) of Google docs, Symbaloo, Weebly, Voki, Wordle, XtraNormal, subject specific sites, etc. You may choose an audience (see examples above) and imagine that you are the expert (you really are) who is leading your chosen audience to use or promote more technology use in classrooms. Your job is to be convincing as well as entertaining. The final product will be a Google Docs Presentation or if you looking for a new experience, a Prezi. Use the speaker notes feature in Google Docs Presentations as a script for yourself or a written explanation of how your demonstration will be used. Use links to sites and examples of work you have done. My fondest wish is for you to actually use this presentation with a real audience and report back that you really wowed them. Make this a 10 minute presentation.
Thursday, May 5, 2011
Course Assessment
I've had some inquiries about how things are going as far as grades are concerned. As I mentioned at our first meeting I expect graduate level work from graduate students. However, it is up to you to determine what that means to you... up to a point. I have a good nose for game playing and scamming the system and I've detected none of that so far.
I'm of the 'mastery learning' school of evaluation. That means I believe in do-overs if a student misses the mark or leaves some stuff out of an assignment. You may assume you are doing well if you don't get a do-over or fix-it notice from me. On the project #2 comments you received I coded these do-over and fix-it notes in red. If you didn't get a red notice and I asked you a question about your web presence you may choose to take my suggestions or not. If I did request a change please communicate directly with me when you have made the adjustment (see next paragraph).
An important note here is that I'm attempting to train you to use the 'comments' feature in Google Docs, this may have not been clear in my note to you about how to see my comments on you projects. When you are viewing the Google Doc that includes my comments you may comment back by using the 'insert' pull down menu and selecting 'comment' . A comment will be placed a the location of your cursor... it will be dated I will be notified of your comment. This is how a conversation can be conducted via Google Docs. Pretty cool. Let's try it.
As always, read my blog! If you have not entered your email address to the right so you will be notified of new posts, do it now. Leave me a note in blog comments even if it is only: "That's cool" or "What BS", I want to know you are 'in class'.
The bottom line on Course Assessment: Everyone gets an A unless you really screw up. Don't make me go there ;-)
I'm of the 'mastery learning' school of evaluation. That means I believe in do-overs if a student misses the mark or leaves some stuff out of an assignment. You may assume you are doing well if you don't get a do-over or fix-it notice from me. On the project #2 comments you received I coded these do-over and fix-it notes in red. If you didn't get a red notice and I asked you a question about your web presence you may choose to take my suggestions or not. If I did request a change please communicate directly with me when you have made the adjustment (see next paragraph).
An important note here is that I'm attempting to train you to use the 'comments' feature in Google Docs, this may have not been clear in my note to you about how to see my comments on you projects. When you are viewing the Google Doc that includes my comments you may comment back by using the 'insert' pull down menu and selecting 'comment' . A comment will be placed a the location of your cursor... it will be dated I will be notified of your comment. This is how a conversation can be conducted via Google Docs. Pretty cool. Let's try it.
As always, read my blog! If you have not entered your email address to the right so you will be notified of new posts, do it now. Leave me a note in blog comments even if it is only: "That's cool" or "What BS", I want to know you are 'in class'.
The bottom line on Course Assessment: Everyone gets an A unless you really screw up. Don't make me go there ;-)
Monday, May 2, 2011
Tagul: Another Wordle look-alike
Tagul is another Wordle look-alike with a simpler interface than Tagxedo but with fewer features, I think. Take a look.
See my trial run to the right... the URL for this blog is the basis for this word cloud (I excluded common English words). Also, Tagul adds a roll-over feature that enlarges words as a cursor rolls over them. I greatly reduced the size of the example so it would fit the space available.
Got great reviews on Tagxedo, btw. Be sure to read what your colleagues are saying... very useful stuff.
Compare and contrast word cloud makers, anyone? Anyone?
See my trial run to the right... the URL for this blog is the basis for this word cloud (I excluded common English words). Also, Tagul adds a roll-over feature that enlarges words as a cursor rolls over them. I greatly reduced the size of the example so it would fit the space available.
Got great reviews on Tagxedo, btw. Be sure to read what your colleagues are saying... very useful stuff.
Compare and contrast word cloud makers, anyone? Anyone?
Sunday, May 1, 2011
Wordle on Steroids
Found this site that allows Wordle-like word clouds to be configured in shapes of your choosing. Problem is it requires the download of a plug-in from Microsoft called Silverlight and the site called Tagxedo does not work with all operating systems and browsers. It is also a bit mysterious (read not user friendly) in its operation. The good news is that once you figure it out it does what it says it will do... word clouds in a variety of shapes. It appears that one can even upload a picture or shape to become a word cloud (I did not attempt this feature).
Here's my attempt... it's the Gettysburg Address in the shape of Abe Lincoln. What do you think? Any ideas on how this might be used? What success did you have with this tool?
Here's my attempt... it's the Gettysburg Address in the shape of Abe Lincoln. What do you think? Any ideas on how this might be used? What success did you have with this tool?
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