web 2.0

I liked using Web 2.0 applications to see what was out there for creating a survey, these features are great for having students formulate questions, collect data, and to engage in an authentic learning experience. I was frustrated with parts of the application I chose, because although most of it seemed user friendly, some of it seemed like it should have been easier to use. At least it gave me something to say to fix.

Cedu 534- podcasts and wikis

I thought a lot of the programs that are avible for creating and posting podcasts are really a neat way to enguage students in showing their learning, using differnet mediums. Also, I think podcasting would be a neat way for either studnets or teachers to create some reviews or recaps of a lesson. Having the online tools - that are free- are a neat way to do this , so teachers or studnets don't have to worry about checking out computers at school - neccessarily.

For my podcast, I used Avery, which I really liked. I think it has a lot of advanced options, for creating podcasts.

Week 2 Wikipedia

Well, I thought the assignment about Wikipedia was quite relevant to today's teaching and learning. This year I engaged my students in activities where they had to analyze, evaluate and then create changes to a wikipedia article as well as to document their revisions with cited references on their Wikipedia page.

Further, students assessed how primary sources, secondary sources, and the museum all shape the collective memory of their topic. In order to also challenge students to think about the impact of Web 2.0 technologies, like Wikipedia, and to think about information literacy skills, students were required to add information and cite a reference to the Wikipedia page relating to their topic.

I asked students to think about how sources like Wikipedia may contribute to the collective memory by reinforcing the dominant view, or if it seemed to create a place for minority viewpoints, and to think about how bias exists, how easily these sources of information are created or changed and how or why they need to be critical of information.

It is significant for educators to realistically think about what students (and people) are using for various types of online resources, and it is relevant to evaluate how these resources fit into education and to educate students more fully to and focus on building thier information literacy skills, that are relevant outside of as well as in the classroom.

All I hear is Blog, Blog, Blog...

After reviewing many of the things from this session, I think that overall, blogs allow people/ students to work collaboratively, share their work with a wider audience, and potentially expand the walls of their classrooms or office to express their thoughts. There are different settings that many blogs offer, which can facilitate setting parameters for students and limiting or expanding how the blog can be viewed by others.

Session 5

It was interesting seeing people's Prezis. I think if I were to do mine again, I'd have the text first then the photo. Or, I'd have a handout that could guide my presentation.

The work with the Pecha Kucha, turned out well. I used the handy iPod touch stopwatch to figure out the time. I'm interested in using the Voice Thread with students and the 20/20s presentation format. I'd also use my example to model it. I'd also have to inform kids about what to click so they can share...so they don't run into some of the issues I did.

Our talk went well, and I think our paper will be good. I'm excited, because I think I've read a lot and have a lot of action based research experience with iMovie.

I am also in the process of revising rubrics I already had for students films. I usually do a large story board assignment prior to the films, and use a different rubric, so I'm wondering if I have to change my film grading rubric, to incorporate that initial storyboard step.

Session 4

Overall I think I liked the reading we completed this time from Presentation Zen the best. I really like the emphasis on being prepared, rehearsing, but also reminding the presenter to walk away from the mic/ podium and really engage with the audience. I also like the idea that Garr emphasizes about being able to connect with and relate to the audience and being flexible.

In my experiences, being flexible and adapting to the reactions of the audience are a way to reach more people, and make the presentation more memorable for them.

I also thought using Prezi was interesting, but wonder if it would be hard to use for students who don't have 'school email addresses.'

I thought that the tocbox was an interesting experience last week as well. I think it might neat to have an online review for students-to-students. I think I'm going to see if my ap kids have an interest in using amongst themselves.

Session 3 blog

I'm interested to see how the 20 slide, 20 second presentation works. I think it will be a good challenge. Overall I think it is nice to go over a presentation and apply concepts from the reading to make changes, but it is challenging.

I also HATE, how I'm having issues getting my ppts that are originally made in Keynote, to look normal on Voice Thread.

Overall, I like the application part of this class, and I think that it is good to reflect on old presentations and edit them to show growth and improvement.