Looking at this first podcast assignment, it was very beneficial for me as a student and future teacher to complete. Through reading the chapter on podcasting and experimenting with the Audacity program, I find myself more knowledgable about how to conduct podcasts, and also the benefits that they offer. One major benefit that I see for students is that it is a way to get them involved. Reading about the classroom podcasts around the world, and hearing about Professor Reinhardt's "Podcast Club" at a local elementary school, I feel that students can communicate their feeling about a given topic with fellow students.
Podcasting also is a way to make learning fun. I believe that if students are put in a position where others will listen to their views, they will listen as well. Giving and receiving feedback is an important part of podcasting, particularly when there is multiple people/students participating. Using technology is education is a great way to improve communication skills in general, but I believe podcasting can take it to the next level... While this first podcast was an individual assignment, I look forward to conducting podcasts with other students as I progress through my college career.
Sunday, September 30, 2012
Chapter 8 Reflection
Several concepts discussed in this chapter intrigued me. First of all, I felt this chapter did a very thorough job of simplyfing the idea of a podcast. When many students (including myself) hear the word 'podcast,' they are prone to thinking of it as a sophisticated project by adults that discusses major modern issues. However, that is not the case. Podcasting is something for people of all ages and interests. This chapter provides vital information about how to set up a podcast, and also how to find a specific kind of podcast. One vocabulary word that is essential to podcasting is 'genre.' Podcasts aren't limited to being about a certain topic, such as politics or religion. They can be used for educational purposes, communication and simply for becoming more comfortable with technology.
Another concept from the chapter that I found interesting was the connection between podcasts and RSS. After becoming familiar with RSS in the previous chapter, this made my feelings stronger about the positives of RSS. People can search for podcast genres of their choice using RSS, to find something of their interest. One huge positive I found about podcasting, is how it can inspire students. By viewing various podcasts online, students will learn that people of all ages and backgrounds are involved in podcasting. Page 116 discussed the 5th grade podcast in Thailand, "Students Teaching Students." I thought that was remarkable how those students are conducting a project that they enjoy and are teaching fellow students at the same time. This is just one of the many examples of student podcasts that are available online. The great thing about these students podcasts is that students can learn from them, but also can be inspired to create their own podcasts. The fact that podcasting is simple, and anyone can do it, is emphasized throughout the chapter. Even if students are not comfortable with using technology or recording their own voice, witnessing these various existing podcasts can inspire them to step outside their comfort zone.
Another concept from the chapter that I found interesting was the connection between podcasts and RSS. After becoming familiar with RSS in the previous chapter, this made my feelings stronger about the positives of RSS. People can search for podcast genres of their choice using RSS, to find something of their interest. One huge positive I found about podcasting, is how it can inspire students. By viewing various podcasts online, students will learn that people of all ages and backgrounds are involved in podcasting. Page 116 discussed the 5th grade podcast in Thailand, "Students Teaching Students." I thought that was remarkable how those students are conducting a project that they enjoy and are teaching fellow students at the same time. This is just one of the many examples of student podcasts that are available online. The great thing about these students podcasts is that students can learn from them, but also can be inspired to create their own podcasts. The fact that podcasting is simple, and anyone can do it, is emphasized throughout the chapter. Even if students are not comfortable with using technology or recording their own voice, witnessing these various existing podcasts can inspire them to step outside their comfort zone.
Monday, September 24, 2012
Growing Up Online
As a future teacher, I am interested in continuing to learn more about how the expansion of technology can benefit our schools. In 'Growing Up Online,' the negatives of the expansion of technology are emphasized. People are creating false identities online in order to find their place in society. Furthermore, there are dangers to using the internet. Cyberbullying and sexual predators are both things that people need to be conscious of when they are online.
I feel that this video has a huge impact on the lives of students in schools. Not only should teachers inspire their students to use new forms of technology to aid their learning, but they should take the time to educate on them on the safety precautions they need to be taken. I think this especially important for teachers that have younger students. These younger students will be more naive than older students, and are easy targets for cyber bullies and sexual predators.
As a future teacher, one of goals is to enrich the lives of my students as people too, not just students. If I can teach them to use technology safely and respectfully, that will help them as they progress through school and life. One strategy that I look to use is to have both the parent and student read and sign a form at the beginning of each school year, stating that they understand that students will be using technology to complete assignments, both inside and outside of the classroom. I believe that parents should make just as big of an effort as teachers, when it comes to ensuring the safety of their children when online. The internet can be a great tool for promoting collaboration and communication in the classroom, but both the teacher and students need to be aware of the dangers that it presents. Videos such as this one are also a great way to show students the negatives of the internet, and that it could happen to anyone if proper precaution is not taken.
I feel that this video has a huge impact on the lives of students in schools. Not only should teachers inspire their students to use new forms of technology to aid their learning, but they should take the time to educate on them on the safety precautions they need to be taken. I think this especially important for teachers that have younger students. These younger students will be more naive than older students, and are easy targets for cyber bullies and sexual predators.
As a future teacher, one of goals is to enrich the lives of my students as people too, not just students. If I can teach them to use technology safely and respectfully, that will help them as they progress through school and life. One strategy that I look to use is to have both the parent and student read and sign a form at the beginning of each school year, stating that they understand that students will be using technology to complete assignments, both inside and outside of the classroom. I believe that parents should make just as big of an effort as teachers, when it comes to ensuring the safety of their children when online. The internet can be a great tool for promoting collaboration and communication in the classroom, but both the teacher and students need to be aware of the dangers that it presents. Videos such as this one are also a great way to show students the negatives of the internet, and that it could happen to anyone if proper precaution is not taken.
Sunday, September 23, 2012
Reflection on Chapters 4 and 5
Chapter 4: Wikis
After reading the chapter, I feel that wikis can be a very powerful tool in the classroom. Early in the chapter, the debate about 'Wikipedia' was addressed. Some feel that it is not a credible source, and strongly suggest for students to avoid it, while others feel it is the best option for information on the internet. I believe that there are many pros and cons to Wikipedia, but I think the most important takeaway from this chapter are the concepts that lie within these wikis. As a future teacher, I feel that students can benefit from a classroom wiki. Collaborating with classmates and the teacher, students will become more comfortable with technology and improve their communication skills. One aspect of wikis that people dislike is that anyone, anywhere can edit a given topic. In a classroom environment, this can be beneficial because students can give constructive criticism to one another, and possibly teach something to a classmate. Conversely, a student can learn from a classmate, and possibly discover a new way of thinking about a given topic. Provided that the teacher demonstrate proper use and safety of a wiki, students will get more out of a lesson and be potentially inspired to use wikis in other courses.
Chapter 5: RSS
I felt Chapter 5 was very intriguing for me, as I was not familiar with "Really Simple Syndication" prior to taking this course. I feel that all people, not just students and teachers, can benefit from using RSS. If someone is truly interested in learning more about a topic, subscribing to an RSS feed is essential. These feeds give them updates such as new information about a topic and people posting their opinions on these topics. Like wikis, RSS definitely can benefit students and teachers in the classroom setting. Students can use collaboration with RSS, as they can view items posted by students their own age, even if they don't go to the same school. They can use these fellow students as their 'classmates' and help each other gain new perspectives on a given topic. RSS also can aid in projects such as a research paper. By receiving RSS updates, students can decide which items they want to use for opinions, statistics, etc. I think teachers should begin to introduce the concept of RSS to their students in early elementary school. By beginning with the basics and getting them comfortable with it, students will expand on their knowledge of RSS and it can benefit them as they progress through school. By the time they reach high school and college, they can use as an academic aid. Also, if they have younger siblings or friends, they can introduce RSS to them, and the cycle will continue in a positive way.
After reading the chapter, I feel that wikis can be a very powerful tool in the classroom. Early in the chapter, the debate about 'Wikipedia' was addressed. Some feel that it is not a credible source, and strongly suggest for students to avoid it, while others feel it is the best option for information on the internet. I believe that there are many pros and cons to Wikipedia, but I think the most important takeaway from this chapter are the concepts that lie within these wikis. As a future teacher, I feel that students can benefit from a classroom wiki. Collaborating with classmates and the teacher, students will become more comfortable with technology and improve their communication skills. One aspect of wikis that people dislike is that anyone, anywhere can edit a given topic. In a classroom environment, this can be beneficial because students can give constructive criticism to one another, and possibly teach something to a classmate. Conversely, a student can learn from a classmate, and possibly discover a new way of thinking about a given topic. Provided that the teacher demonstrate proper use and safety of a wiki, students will get more out of a lesson and be potentially inspired to use wikis in other courses.
Chapter 5: RSS
I felt Chapter 5 was very intriguing for me, as I was not familiar with "Really Simple Syndication" prior to taking this course. I feel that all people, not just students and teachers, can benefit from using RSS. If someone is truly interested in learning more about a topic, subscribing to an RSS feed is essential. These feeds give them updates such as new information about a topic and people posting their opinions on these topics. Like wikis, RSS definitely can benefit students and teachers in the classroom setting. Students can use collaboration with RSS, as they can view items posted by students their own age, even if they don't go to the same school. They can use these fellow students as their 'classmates' and help each other gain new perspectives on a given topic. RSS also can aid in projects such as a research paper. By receiving RSS updates, students can decide which items they want to use for opinions, statistics, etc. I think teachers should begin to introduce the concept of RSS to their students in early elementary school. By beginning with the basics and getting them comfortable with it, students will expand on their knowledge of RSS and it can benefit them as they progress through school. By the time they reach high school and college, they can use as an academic aid. Also, if they have younger siblings or friends, they can introduce RSS to them, and the cycle will continue in a positive way.
Wednesday, September 19, 2012
Steps to Meaningful Student Blogging
Reading through the 14 steps to meaningful student blogging, I liked step #4 the best: "Teach them how to comment." I feel that the best way for a classroom blog to be successful is by discussion among students. Being able to give and receive feedback on their work is a very important skill for students to have as they progress through school. The most important part though, is that they are taught correctly. As this article indicated, if students don't know how to comment properly, then they are not gaining anything from the experience. Teachers should ensure that students are aware of the expectations that come with responses to their classmates. If students can get into good habits right away, such as giving thorough, respectful comments, the classroom blog can only benefit. By giving a solid, honest effort toward giving classmates' feedback, students will learn from the comments they give and receive.
Monday, September 17, 2012
Chapter 3 Discussion
In Chapter 3 of "Blogs, Wikis, Podcasts," the enduring understanding is the concept of safely and effectively producing and maintaining a blog in the classroom setting.
Question 1: Before beginning a blog, what are some pre-cautions a teacher should take?
Before starting a blog in the classroom, a teacher should ensure that students, parents, and administration are clear on the purpose, expectations, and learning outcomes of the blog. If students, parents, and administration are unclear about how this will help students learn and communicate, the blogging experience may not be as effective.
Question 2: How should teachers go about introducing the concept of a blog to their students?
First of all, teachers should study the background of their students. For example, if only 3 children have access to internet at home, the blog will not be as effective, and discussion will be minimal. If this is the case, perhaps teachers should restrict blogging activities to in the classroom, where everyone can participate. Also, I feel that teachers should start small. In other words, teachers should start with basic blog activities and discussions, so students can get a feel for the technology. If early activities are too complicated, students may get discouraged and lose confidence. If students aren't confident in using the blog software, they may not learn as much as they would when they are actively engaged in the blog assignments.
Question 1: Before beginning a blog, what are some pre-cautions a teacher should take?
Before starting a blog in the classroom, a teacher should ensure that students, parents, and administration are clear on the purpose, expectations, and learning outcomes of the blog. If students, parents, and administration are unclear about how this will help students learn and communicate, the blogging experience may not be as effective.
Question 2: How should teachers go about introducing the concept of a blog to their students?
First of all, teachers should study the background of their students. For example, if only 3 children have access to internet at home, the blog will not be as effective, and discussion will be minimal. If this is the case, perhaps teachers should restrict blogging activities to in the classroom, where everyone can participate. Also, I feel that teachers should start small. In other words, teachers should start with basic blog activities and discussions, so students can get a feel for the technology. If early activities are too complicated, students may get discouraged and lose confidence. If students aren't confident in using the blog software, they may not learn as much as they would when they are actively engaged in the blog assignments.
Thoughts on Multi-tasking
The main point of the Frontline videos, the article, and the game was to illustrate the disadvantages that multi-tasking presents. In today's world, people feel they are best to try to complete a number of tasks at one time. When in reality, people are best to focus on doing one task very well then doing a so-so job doing multiple tasks. Our society is hindered by people attempting to do so many different things at one time, rather than focus on priorities.
I feel that the emergence of technology in our world promotes people to try to multi-task. With laptops, ipads, smartphones, etc. people feel that they can communicate with others, surf the web, and more, instead of focusing on the task at hand, such as work or school. Although technology has a positive effect on our society, I feel it has a negative impact when it comes to multi-tasking.
As a future teacher, I am willing to accept the challenge of my students trying to be multi-taskers. Some students may feel it is more entertaining to play computer games or text than to learn the course material. As a result, my goal is to use technology as part of the lesson, and keep students engaged in the lesson. If students are using computers or a smartboard to contribute to the class discussion, they are more likely to get something out of the activity planned. I think a big obstacle for past, current, and future teachers is to find that balance between being an entertainer, and making sure students learn what they need to learn while in school.
I feel that the emergence of technology in our world promotes people to try to multi-task. With laptops, ipads, smartphones, etc. people feel that they can communicate with others, surf the web, and more, instead of focusing on the task at hand, such as work or school. Although technology has a positive effect on our society, I feel it has a negative impact when it comes to multi-tasking.
As a future teacher, I am willing to accept the challenge of my students trying to be multi-taskers. Some students may feel it is more entertaining to play computer games or text than to learn the course material. As a result, my goal is to use technology as part of the lesson, and keep students engaged in the lesson. If students are using computers or a smartboard to contribute to the class discussion, they are more likely to get something out of the activity planned. I think a big obstacle for past, current, and future teachers is to find that balance between being an entertainer, and making sure students learn what they need to learn while in school.
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