tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6546225488213042069.post4682870355095496082..comments2021-08-01T04:39:32.596-04:00Comments on EDC586-921-Using Blogs and Wikis to Facilitate Learning: 921-Session 7-Research Supporting Edublog Usagedavidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07915119750533012712noreply@blogger.comBlogger41125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6546225488213042069.post-80792557356023052008-03-24T15:04:00.000-04:002008-03-24T15:04:00.000-04:00Kim CrottyLibrary Grades 9-12kcrotty@fairview.iu5....Kim Crotty<BR/>Library Grades 9-12<BR/>kcrotty@fairview.iu5.org<BR/><BR/>I have been out of town so I am a bit behind on my "I wonder questions..." but when I came back I went into school to work on catching up on my classwork. When I logged onto my computer, and went to access this class, I got the dreaded "SITE BLOCKED!" I didn't understand how this could happen since I have been accessing it since class started with no problem. Likely, one person from our technology department was in the building. I asked him if he would know why I was suddenly blocked from this class and he informed me that over the Spring Break a new "filtering and monitoring" system was put in and that many of the blogs would be blocked! UGH! Especially since I was able to tap into a teacher who is "anti" technology to try using a blog. Her first attempt would probably be blocked and this would definitely turn her off! I understand that unexpected technology glitches will occur but if too many do than people get turned off to technology. This has made me come to the realization that at least in my area, I still think a lot of education needs to occur with all stakeholders when it comes to the 21st century technologies. Right now I think we are all at different levels of understanding in our district with the Web 2.0 tools. I wonder if it would be better for us to gather as a group; stop and think; discuss, share concerns and come up with a shared vision of where we are, where we want to go and how we want to get there. If we come up with some shared vision, I think we would all be on the same path as these new tools unfold in the educational setting.FHS Libraryhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12999788412661480518noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6546225488213042069.post-12317556917324372982008-03-18T06:58:00.000-04:002008-03-18T06:58:00.000-04:00Joan O'HalloranThe opening screencast impressed me...Joan O'Halloran<BR/><BR/>The opening screencast impressed me. The idea of becoming globally literate is not on the minds of most educators and I especially liked the quote about "teaching today is a collective effort and not an individual accomplishment."<BR/><BR/>The meta-analysis had some interesting conclusions but the information is very technical. Blog On and Welcome to the Blogosphere are much more user-friendly and informative. I also took a look at an article recommended by a student from a previous class that contained an interesting list of characteristics of the digital native. These articles will be useful in developing my proposal.<BR/><BR/>I visited lots of my classmates' blogs and quite frankly, I'm jealous. This is all so new - after I read about and see so many great things, I don't seem to have the time to practice doing anything. However, I am on a mission to create a sidebar on my blog this week - I have several websites and tutorials that I want to add. <BR/><BR/>After reading everyone else's comments, I am beginning to develop a plan on introducing blogs into my classroom (pending permission to blog). I struggle everyday to get my students to transfer knowledge and skills from mathematics and English to science class. Students who blog in a social context may not be interested in transferring that skill to an educational setting. Blogging needs to be treated like any other skill. It will have to be modeled frequently and structured in the beginning. Also, I think that I will have to focus on creating a sense of community among my students as well as teaching how to make productive comments. <BR/><BR/>I saw a wonderful wiki that might serve as a model for me. I am looking forward to exploring wikis next.MrsO'Halloranhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17638994970144365885noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6546225488213042069.post-32926183136876318012008-03-17T23:01:00.000-04:002008-03-17T23:01:00.000-04:00Joanna,The authors of our blog, “Newport’s School ...Joanna,<BR/><BR/>The authors of our blog, “Newport’s School Library Media Centers”, are currently other library media specialists in the district. We have a small district, with 7 schools and 5 LMS. I did invite our supervisor, the Executive Director of Teaching, Learning and Professional Development, to join us as an author (awaiting reply), and have “announced” the blog to our superintendent and principals. I am the blog administrator.<BR/><BR/>I invite anyone in cyberland to view and comment. I set the comment feature on blogger to have administrator view non-author comments before posting, but I plan to post anything that’s professional in nature.<BR/><BR/>Thanks for your feedback!Jennifer Robinsonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15745754350868369732noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6546225488213042069.post-21869600530508212622008-03-17T22:59:00.000-04:002008-03-17T22:59:00.000-04:00Re: session 7After perusing all the articles, wrap...Re: session 7<BR/>After perusing all the articles, wrapping my brain around statistics, and taking notes for future reference, the most poignant piece of session 7, for me, was the Classroom 2.0 video by Clarence Fisher. While the author’s delivery did not elicit comparisons to Brokaw, Fisher was certainly articulate in his vision of a global classroom, and used creative means to make his points. I found his studio concept especially interesting. He believes we need to redefine what we think should happen in classrooms-- not kids in rows doing worksheets, but classrooms as studios. Not everybody doing the same thing, but noisier, vibrant spaces with energy, and a master artist in charge of the space. Fisher’s citing of a comment from Will Richardson’s blog, that teaching is a collective effort, not an individual accomplishment, reminds me that student input is imperative if we are to prepare young minds for the creative thinking their futures will certainly require.<BR/><BR/>I find it both notable and amusing that as a library media specialist, fond of the written word, the video was the most memorable part of the session. Perhaps there was something to that 24-page propaganda/research put out by CPB about television and learning.Jennifer Robinsonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15745754350868369732noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6546225488213042069.post-40389643788557671482008-03-17T22:39:00.000-04:002008-03-17T22:39:00.000-04:00Hi Everyone,In reading and going through this week...Hi Everyone,<BR/><BR/>In reading and going through this week's session, I have to agree with Anne Howard regarding the most accessible and user-friendly articles/readings. I thought the "Welcome to the Blogosphere" and "Blog On" articles to contain relevant information that my colleagues and adminstrators wouldn't mind reading. I plan on using/citing these for my implementation plan. (Statistics class was one of the reasons I stopped being a business major, and I thank God for my B+ in Tests and Measurements.)<BR/><BR/>Each week after reading everyone's postings, I am inspired to use my blog in new ways. I originally set it up as a private space (only invited authors can post) to protect students and make parents feel more comfortable with their students being on-line; however, I'd really like to open it up to more students on my team for comment. My current class has been posting and sharing ideas, (yes!), but I'd also like to invite more students in other classes to comment and also use the blog as an informational tool for parents. With this in mind, I may open the commenting up to anyone with a google account. I also want to add more student work to the blog as well.<BR/><BR/>I'm currently doing literature circles with my students, and we have set up a wiki space in order to have on-line discussion once a week. We still meet face-to-face twice a week. I post headings for them such as Interpretive Questions, Reflection/Connections/Predictions,Literary Devices/Figurative Language, etc., and they post and respond to each other under the appropriate headings. The wiki has provided me with a way to really see where their conversation goes and what issues or non-issues they really focus on. It also allows me to give them quick feedback via the mail option in wikispaces. When I sit in on group discussion, I don't always hear what every group is talking about, so I really like being able to read their posts. I find it also keeps them on track. They aren't posting about what they did over the weekend on the wiki. I also plan on videotaping their final projects and hopefully uploading them on the main page.<BR/><BR/>One of my students is currently in Garda, Italy for a sailing regatta. He made the U.S. National Team--very exciting. He posted a link on the wiki for us so that we can check on how he is doing. The site has a webcam and photos, etc., along with race results. And, the great thing about the blog and wiki is that he can keep up with our lit circle lessons while in Italy. Isn't technology and and the web great?!!<BR/><BR/>It's been a crazy week. Hopefully I'll have some time to add some new and improved "stuff" to my blog over the next week or so. Although third quarter is coming to a close--grades will be due!<BR/><BR/>Lastly, in one of the readings for this week (I think the heavy stats one), standardized testing performance was mentioned. Also, the video of the teacher in the mining town (what a great teacher!)mentioned curriculum demands. I wonder how or if our standardized testing formats, curriculum and GLEs/GSEs will change because of technology and web 2.0 tools. And, as the GLEs change, how will we change our teaching? "Teacher-directed" rather than "teacher-centered" was mentioned. I truly believe that with student choice and interest comes student investment and achievement. Hopefully, we will become more "teacher-directed." <BR/>--Steph Z.Mrs. Z.https://www.blogger.com/profile/01875122227179982935noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6546225488213042069.post-90954336755218732082008-03-17T19:26:00.000-04:002008-03-17T19:26:00.000-04:00I agree with Joanna K about us not always respondi...I agree with Joanna K about us not always responding to our fellow classmates comments. I do read everyone's comment but I don't always respond. I don't think it is for the same reason as our students or colleagues - lack the enthusiasm. For me it is just the opposite. After I read the comments, I either get ideas for my blog or I look up another blog that one of you has mentioned. I spend so much time searching and reading that I forget to go back and comment on everyone else’s ideas. <BR/>I decided to try a new approach. Originally, I only told the staff about my blog. I just updated my library website and will be publishing it this week. I put a link on the website to my blog. My next post will be about a research lesson that I taught to 9th grade history students. I am going to ask them to comment on the lesson and also vote on several of the databases that they used. <BR/><BR/>I wonder if not allowing anonymous comments is part of the problem? That’s one more step for staff to do in order to comment. How do you all have your blog comments set up?<BR/><BR/>I am meeting with the English dept chair this week about a reading blog. Have any of you come across good examples of reading/bookclub blogs. I know I’ve seen many, but of course I can’t remember all of them. <BR/><BR/>In fact, I have a suggestion for this course. Dave, maybe you could set up a del.icio.us account for this course so we and your future students could keep track of all the great blogs, podcasts, wikis…. that we come across. I started to do that after the 3rd or 4th session and even went back to previous sessions, but I know I missed a lot of good blogs and info. In fact, my del.icio.us account is del.icio.us/djebook and I have a tag EDC921. If anyone else has done this let me know, we could add each of us to our networks and share what we find. I just noticed when I went to my school library delicious account del.icio.us/hvcentral that I have 2 new fans – students. Yeah, someone was listening to me during my lesson on databases and Web 2.0 tools. I discussed social book marking and urged students to create their own accounts and some actually did it. I am so excited and ready to open up my blog.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6546225488213042069.post-17474218496486231652008-03-17T18:37:00.000-04:002008-03-17T18:37:00.000-04:00My blog was originally a way for me to communicate...My blog was originally a way for me to communicate to parents about weekly happenings. Well, that all changed when I introduced it to my students. They are so excited about it and even want equal share in creating and developing it. I asked the class what they wanted our blog to be and what they wanted to use it for. Well considering they are only 5, they all said, "GAMES!". So I found and uploaded a math video that is fun, interactive and reinforces what I am currently teaching. I also uploaded some student work, pictures, monthly newsetter, and a voice recording made by one of my students. I got the idea of the voice recording after seeing it on Michael Sexton's blog. Hope you don't mind that I stole your idea because my kids absolutly love the Voki! I even have parents calling the school to find out how to get to our blog. <BR/><BR/>After completing the readings and viewing other classmates comments I started to wonder if the enthusiasm I am experiencing in my classroom will continue or end soon. I don't have the same problems that others are experiencing but I fear I will once I start asking students to put entries and responses on the blog. My students do a great job writing and typing up their work however it takes take them a long time and requires a lot of one-on-one. I wonder if I can have my students respond to work by voice recordings vs. typing or does that defeat the purpose of the blog?.?.<BR/><BR/><BR/>Literacy is a big part of our classroom and blogging fits in perfictly. I have noticed students especially my lowest students are building letter identification and letter sound skills. We have been watching more online educational videos and I am amazed at how much my students are learning and remembering. Don't get me wrong I dont think it should replace direct teacher instruction however I do think there needs to be a balance. Too much of one thing is no good! Unfortunately, most of my students leave school and spend the rest of their day in front of a tv playing DS or on Webkinz. That is why it's even more critical for me to integrate videoblogging not only to help students connect but, to give them an more opportunities to learn outside of the classroom.Leilani Coelhohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00522401413632585342noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6546225488213042069.post-79506826816637568372008-03-17T15:34:00.000-04:002008-03-17T15:34:00.000-04:00Melissa BerenbergReading TeacherGrades 3-5South Ki...Melissa Berenberg<BR/>Reading Teacher<BR/>Grades 3-5<BR/>South Kingstown Schools<BR/>Session #7<BR/><BR/><BR/>As a reading teacher it is important to foster literacy with print material as well as technology. Online communities and new technology tools are supported through research and have a positive relationship with student learning. After reading the online studies conducted by the EDC’s Center for Children and Technology, it is obvious that visual media contributes to the advancement in literacy skills and cognitive development. It is nice to be able to access all of these research based studies in order to support the integration of these new advancements into today’s instruction. In will be easier to integrate technology into an existing curriculum, if the proposal for the new tool or forum is based on research and has a positive effect. <BR/><BR/>It is not only important for a student to be exposed to new concepts but the information needs to be retained. With a spiraling curriculum throughout the grade levels, students will be able to retain knowledge as well as build on existing concepts. According to these studies, visual media helps students retain information. The integration of sound and imagery also appeals to different learning styles and interests students. I have witnessed a lot of teachers using videos or television to support a lesson. However, it is important to have activities that go along with the visual media. Students should be active in the learning process and reflect on the visual, as well as complete before and after activities. The visual should be used to bring children to a higher level of understanding and not as a leisure activity. I liked the idea of linking broadcasters with educators and curriculum directors. If broadcasters can help create media that correlates with our GLE’s, curriculum and thematic units, we can bring our students to a whole new level. As a reading teacher, I would like to have a multitude of visual media available for teachers in order to support them in their lessons. <BR/><BR/>Blogosphere: The educational use of blogs was another journal article I had enjoyed. I liked the advantages and disadvantages of the integration of this tool. It is important to think about the students who do not have computers and/or internet access after they leave the school. As educators, we need to finds ways and programs that support students in need and who do not have access from home. This article also offered many different instructional resources for an edublog. It would be nice to have an edublog on the school website to display newsletters and announcements. Another great idea I read about is to have samples, tips, and explanations to support parents when helping their children with homework. Hyperlinks could be created for cross-curricular activities as well as support Web Sites. The group edublog is also another way for students to work cooperatively on a topic and express their findings through sound and imagery. It seems to me that there are many ups and downs when it comes to wikis, forums, and blogs. As with any other educational tool, you need to select the appropriate tool for the right purpose. As a teacher I could see myself integrating these new technologies in many different ways, for a variety of purposes, and across different content areas. <BR/><BR/><BR/>I wonder if there are any after school programs or library programs that support these new forums and blogs in the state?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6546225488213042069.post-81566500687510355472008-03-17T14:10:00.000-04:002008-03-17T14:10:00.000-04:00Joanna Knott4-6 LibrarianNew Oxford, PAI watched t...Joanna Knott<BR/>4-6 Librarian<BR/>New Oxford, PA<BR/><BR/>I watched the Classroom 2.0 video and thought there were a few excellent insights...<BR/><BR/>I like that he (no, I can't remember "his" name) explains the "old way" v. the "new way." Much like Lee LeFever (The Commoncraft site), this vodcast explains how the old way of teaching was to prepare students to be successful members of a town. Teachers prepared them for life in the community. The new way is to prepare the students to be successful citizens of the world, to connect and integrate ideas across the globe. <BR/><BR/>I also like how he explained that we need to shift our pedagogy by looking at teaching and learning as a collaboration. His example is to have students be legitimate creators of information. I think this is interesting. Students now turn in answers and responses to teachers, but are they legitimately creating information or are they just submitting a reiteration? Working within a worldwide, collaborative community and publishing to the web, students and teachers legitimize students' work. <BR/><BR/>Just some thoughts I'd vent before my brain explodes with information and ideas...joannakhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14229691228113796660noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6546225488213042069.post-39146928859816958302008-03-17T13:24:00.000-04:002008-03-17T13:24:00.000-04:00Jennifer,As a librarian and soon-to-be Department ...Jennifer,<BR/><BR/>As a librarian and soon-to-be Department Chair, I love the idea of blogging with my fellow media specialists. My question for you: who are the authors and viewers? Did you allow anyone to view/author or just your coworkers?<BR/><BR/>Thanks for the inspiration! I think I'll do this, too!<BR/><BR/>Joanna Knott<BR/>4-6 Librarian<BR/>New Oxford, PAjoannakhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14229691228113796660noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6546225488213042069.post-50657396013802121412008-03-17T13:21:00.000-04:002008-03-17T13:21:00.000-04:00This comment has been removed by the author.joannakhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14229691228113796660noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6546225488213042069.post-79989173389711447852008-03-17T13:10:00.000-04:002008-03-17T13:10:00.000-04:00Joanna Knott4-6 LibrarianNew Oxford, PAWell, after...Joanna Knott<BR/>4-6 Librarian<BR/>New Oxford, PA<BR/><BR/>Well, after reading the comments, I can see that many of us are in the same boat as we wonder where our blogs will take us. Some people in this course are disappointed in the lack of blog comments posted by students, and I can completely sympathize; when I created a blog for the teachers in my Web 2.0 class, I was disappointed at the lack of thought, effort, and enthusiasm they put forward.<BR/><BR/>So, it’s not just young students; it seems to be students of all ages.<BR/><BR/>I encouraged the teachers in my class to post two comments; one as a response to the “Blog Topic of the Week” and one responding to someone else’s comments. Either I cannot develop an engaging topic, or they were uninterested in responding. Most people just wrote “I agree with…” and left it at that. This leads me to believe…<BR/><BR/>When we teach lessons, we have to look for the “hook” or the part of the lesson that will get kids excited and motivated to learn. In terms of blogging, the fact that students are posting to a blog, using the technology, sitting in a computer lab, or publishing to the internet are not adequate “hooks.” Am I right to conclude that the technology isn’t as engaging as we would like to think?<BR/><BR/>I’m also snickering at myself…how many times has Dave asked us to not only respond, but read previous comments, and respond to them as well? He is also working to get us to do exactly what we struggle to do with our students….joannakhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14229691228113796660noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6546225488213042069.post-26133817479245123032008-03-17T10:14:00.000-04:002008-03-17T10:14:00.000-04:00One of the links that most interested me was the "...One of the links that most interested me was the "Edublog insights". I know that many school districts block blogs and many other key words. This post really explains many positive aspects of student involvement with blogging. I have noticed many of the same student outcomes. Blogs also create a portfolio of student work. Work is easily viewed anywhere, anytime. Peer pressure( The good kind) seems to motivate usually lax children into completing assignments. Student accountability increases because their audience is no longer just the teacher. Student work is compared, shared, and assessed by the classroom community. <BR/>Finally, in a non-classroom setting, I used a Wiki to help collaborate with another coach. We needed to come up with an informational list/letter to all other coaches. She is the coordinator of one division and I coordinate the other. Since the information was the same, we dicided to work on it together. I created a wiki page so that we both could add material and send it out. Before this class it would have been e-mail to e-mail.Johnhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08862475867004616934noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6546225488213042069.post-84534633430917529932008-03-16T20:53:00.000-04:002008-03-16T20:53:00.000-04:00Anne Howard's comments resonated with me. The stat...Anne Howard's comments resonated with me. The statistcal evidence for using technology to improve student outcomes is too academic. <BR/>I spent the last several hours reading these articles and was happy when the meta-analysis portion segued into the more accessible articles about like "Welcome to the Blogosphere...", 'blog It" and "Rationale for Educational..."<BR/>These are articles school committee members, principles, and superintendents can read and digest. I copied them so I can distribute to other faculty members and administrators.<BR/>While I definitely think we need research based evidence to support a seemingly seismic shift in educational culture, these papers don't help me in my district. I can only hope that through this class, I can take what I've learned and take baby steps towards convincing others that new literacies require sutdents to "learn how to learn new technologies."Rosemary Driscollhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00100279931684744025noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6546225488213042069.post-33016344488559343732008-03-16T13:24:00.000-04:002008-03-16T13:24:00.000-04:00I found Donna and Anne's comments particularly int...I found Donna and Anne's comments particularly interesting as I, too, have been wondering where my Algebra 2 blog will wind up. <BR/>Class participation in terms of the blog hasn't been so stellar, which has been extremely surprising to me. I have comments dribbling in here and there, but between my two classes only about half of my students have been posting. When Anne said that her class meets only once per week, it made me think of an issue that I face with just about every assignment I give my students. I see my classes every other day, and inevitably, my students do their homework the night before we meet again. (I even set up a poll on the blog page to see when my students do their homework, and "The night before" received the most votes.) This has a direct impact on the overall benefit of using the blog as a communication tool, because the communication is happening too late. As Anne stated, with comments coming in at the last minute, the students are unable to comment on what others have said. I've spoken with my class and I let them know that timing was important when doing their blogging assignments, but they don't seem to be taking it as seriously as their other work for me. If I start the school year off introducing my students to the blog and we get into a routine early on, perhaps I will have better results? I honestly don't know, but I have been thinking a great deal about this because I don't think the full benefits of this blog are being realized.<BR/>I have to also keep in mind that it is a learning experience for me, too. With each year I will hopefully make improvements!A Pisanihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14327534983477351851noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6546225488213042069.post-41107070159827291862008-03-15T17:01:00.000-04:002008-03-15T17:01:00.000-04:00I have to go along with Donna and wonder where blo...I have to go along with Donna and wonder where blogging will go with my students. I gave it a try with my 8th grade and it was a total disaster. I read Susan's post about the students in her class and am thrilled for her. It makes me wonder if my students' lack of interest has to do with them having access to so much that they view using technology as a chore and not something new and exciting - so of a familiarity breeds contempt attitude.<BR/><BR/>It's been over 30 years since I took a Statistics class and I didn't understand much if it then. How much does something have to be to show statistical significance? In reading the one meta-analysis I wasn't clear on how statistically significant the results were. Is a change of +.215 significant? Does that translate to a 21.5% improvement? I feel I should understand the studies if I am going to use them as support for increasing our technology budget.<BR/><BR/>I have been talking with the 5th grade teacher and we are going to collaborate on creating a wiki for her 5th grade social studies classes. I'm really excited to get started. I can see so many possibilities with it.<BR/><BR/>As I was writing the above paragraph, I was struck by the thought that one of the reasons I have had difficulty getting students to use the class blog is that the class only meets once a week. The students may feel that they don't have to post comments/thoughts with any immediacy because they have a whole week to complete the assignment. Since they won't be accountable for a week, they delay doing any work. Since almost everyone of them waited until the night before the assignment was due, no one could complete the second part of the assignment, which was to respond to what someone else had written. Something to think about as I decide how to integrate blogging into my middle school classes next year.Anne Howardhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09172029786069800906noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6546225488213042069.post-69229719857184760742008-03-15T08:13:00.000-04:002008-03-15T08:13:00.000-04:00Susan Tennett AdamsI just returned to school (Thur...Susan Tennett Adams<BR/><BR/>I just returned to school (Thursday) after being out with a long-term illness, and one of the first things I did was introduce my fifth-graders to our classroom blog. They were very excited and couldn't wait to post a comment. I posted a social studies question and had 16 comments by Friday morning. The kids are very excited about this new technology, and I was surprised by the fact that only a few of my students new what a blog was. <BR/>Quite a few of my students do not have internet access at home , so we decided that those students would use the classroom computer (we only have one) to post before they left for the day. <BR/>My principal loves the classroom blog and a few teachers have expressed interest in using blogging in their classrooms.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6546225488213042069.post-61428980124832778032008-03-12T20:51:00.000-04:002008-03-12T20:51:00.000-04:00I just finished session 7. Once again there is a ...I just finished session 7. Once again there is a lot of information. I did not read all of the detailed articles but I did save them for future reference. I am looking forward to the next session on wikis. <BR/><BR/>I am wondering if my blog will ever gain any interest.<BR/><BR/>I did get an email from the chair of our English dept asking what teachers are reading so she could put together a list for the students. I immediately emailed her back with a link to my blog and suggested that we create a blog for her reading list. She is going to meet with me next week to find out how we can do this. I hope this will spark some interest in blogging in my school and in the district.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6546225488213042069.post-16610379581691537492008-03-11T06:25:00.000-04:002008-03-11T06:25:00.000-04:00THIS ENDS THE COMMENTS AND REFLECTIONS OF EDC 921 ...THIS ENDS THE COMMENTS AND REFLECTIONS OF EDC 921 FALL '07 PARTICIPANTS.davidhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07915119750533012712noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6546225488213042069.post-33316574776873314822007-10-30T22:18:00.000-04:002007-10-30T22:18:00.000-04:00I guess this week I must be tired, because I feel ...I guess this week I must be tired, because I feel very overwhelmed by the blog, vlog, podcast information this week.<BR/><BR/>I feel that as I am exposed to all these tools, the ideas start flowing. I can totally justify using these new Web 2.0.tools, but bottom line is, when would I have time to do all this? I already maintain my classroom website, send e-mails to my parents letting them know when assignments are due, and complete several web-based projects with my students each year.<BR/><BR/>I think I personally need to be careful not to overwhelm myself, to the point that I cannot do anythng well. I get so enthralled by the new technology, that I could easily spend too much time getting ready, only to find out that I have technical limitations at school.<BR/><BR/>Again, maybe I am tired, but sometimes simple may be better.Melissa Hortonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09007779013903107608noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6546225488213042069.post-56893810574211741042007-10-30T18:23:00.000-04:002007-10-30T18:23:00.000-04:00I was unable to use the talkr site. It sounded lik...I was unable to use the talkr site. It sounded like it would be worthwhile. It's would be a great help for some students special needs and just kids of all abilites. <BR/>i am amazed at what kind of technology is out there. Then I look at what we currently use in our school. We were very excited to get a few smart boards last year. And this year I was excited that we were able to connect our computer to the tv. That way everyone could see the powerpoint presentation. I guess I knew we were behind I just didn't realize how far behind we are.<BR/><BR/>Just a comment on someones post. We still use the 25 book standard also.Reading bloghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16515811705788246640noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6546225488213042069.post-84508363439706532672007-10-29T21:54:00.000-04:002007-10-29T21:54:00.000-04:00All the evidence that Web 2.0 technologies have a ...All the evidence that Web 2.0 technologies have a positive effect on learning give me hope that schools will adapt to the changing face of education. I really like Clarence Fisher's video about how classroom experiences are no longer limited by its four walls. "Geography is irrelevant but knowledge isn't" he states. Collaborative tools that allow children and educators alike to exchange ideas and information give us many opportunities to build a community of learners outside the walls of the classroom.<BR/><BR/>In my school, we just gained access to PBS video streaming. One of my fourth grade classes viewed several segments of a video about rocks and minerals. This is part of their science unit. Their teacher and I have collaborated on quite a few projects and she is very open to using technology in the classroom. Before showing the video, the class had a few lessons and discussions about the topic using the FOSS science kit, Earth Materials, to build some background on the subject. <BR/><BR/>After the video, the discussion among the children was incredible. Seeing and hearing certainly had a great effect on their learning and comprehension of the topic. Just as research from the article on the Impact of Video on Student Learning suggests, the purposeful nature of their viewing led to a deeper and more sophisticated learning. They easily made connections to the video and the text they had previously read, they used vocabulary from the video to describe in detail what they learned about rocks, and the actual images they saw helped them understand the previous text they had read with their teacher. They became a community of learners who all helped each other understand the topic at hand. It was a great learning experience to be a part of. <BR/><BR/>I also enjoyed the article entitled Blog On - Building Communication and Collaboration Among Staff and Students. I see blogging as a great tool to use in an educational setting for many purposes. Being a digital native, I concur with most of the research out there (that I've had a chance to read) about the changing face of education. I'm presently trying to influence the thoughts of other more veteran teachers in my building who may be more like digital immigrants. Some have been receptive while others seem to be most comfortable with their way of doing things, the “chalk and talk” way that Terri suggests in her comment. I am hoping that there are more opportunities for my colleagues to see the benefits of using not only edublogs but also using video and podcasting in their classrooms. The research supporting such technologies is certainly out there. It'll just be the method of delivery and the persistence to get the message across. Why is it that there have been more efforts in certain districts, states and countries to require, expect and utilize technology in the curriculum while other places have not even scratched the surface? I just find the gap incredible looking at many of the blogs, websites, podcasts and projects out there on the Web. <BR/><BR/>With the inner city population that I teach, I am finding that the use of Web 2.0 technologies in my library instruction has increased the students' desire to learn, has engaged them more than a traditional lesson would, and has helped provide some background knowledge by way of video, images and sound to the topics they are learning about in the classroom. I understand that many of the children do not have access to the Internet or even have a computer at home. At the least I can expose them to these resources and learning tools during the school day. <BR/><BR/>I’ve also read some other articles on Podcasting in a school library because I am very interested in working with this technology. I really think it will help my ESL and Bilingual children in many ways. Podcasting certainly supports efforts to differentiate instruction in the library in accordance with No Child Left Behind requirements. In the article entitled “Podcasting 101 for K-12 Librarians” by Esther Kreider Fash (Computers in Libraries, April 2006), she states that the podcast is a viable alternative for delivering research, content, or lessons to students needing extended support. While auditory learners particularly benefit when podcasts are incorporated into the teaching model, librarians can help all students and staff find ways to creatively use podcasting. Sometimes new formats are the key to igniting interest. While creating podcasts, students learn to research, write, develop vocabulary, speak effectively, manage time, solve problems, and grab attention. I'm thinking of using podcasts to advertise good reads in my library. I've got my second and third graders working on projects about promoting reading to others through book reviews. What fun it would be for them to give podcasting a try! (of course there'd be lots of planning, trials,and missteps along the way, but it'd be worth the effort in the end)MMhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03723129264359583987noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6546225488213042069.post-65142087520151488912007-10-27T20:07:00.000-04:002007-10-27T20:07:00.000-04:00Research does seem to suggest a positive impact on...Research does seem to suggest a positive impact on learning when using web based technologies. If nothing else, at least the students seem interested in learning with technologies. I’ve been doing some informal surveying of my students to find out that they would like to do certain aspects of their classroom activities using web 2.0 technologies instead of (or in addition to) traditional methods. It beats the “chalk and talk” method for the time being. These research studies come in handy for writing proposals to administrators and potential funding sources who can be skeptical.<BR/><BR/>“Famous” raises an interesting question. Do we need to teach kids how to use print encyclopedias? I’ve stopped buying print copies in my library. We simply can not afford them and students in the “post-typographic” age no longer search for information the way they did 15 years ago. At a recent meeting of our area school & public librarians we discussed how there has been a huge decrease in the use of print reference materials. Honestly, I spend a lot of time convincing teachers to allow a reference articles from our online database to be a substitute for a “print source.” Print reference sources are so expensive and almost never get used (even when I turn to the exact page and shove the book under the kid’s nose). I kills me to put out $450 on a specialized reference set that I know will get very little use. Do students need to know how to use an index in a book?? What is the future of research? On the same note, what about writing correct citations? My (smart) students are finally realizing that if they use a database (ours is a Gale product), the MLA formatted citation appears at the end of the article for them to neatly cut and paste into their bibliography. Our English teachers spend a lot of time teaching citation formatting. It’s necessary to know the required pieces of a citation, but it’s no longer as big an issue to know where every period and quotation belongs.<BR/><BR/>-TerriAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6546225488213042069.post-20038787805988737252007-10-24T13:53:00.000-04:002007-10-24T13:53:00.000-04:00I didn't delve heavily into the research presented...I didn't delve heavily into the research presented for this session, because in my eyes it's almost intuitive that we have to migrate to this new technology.<BR/>Last week, I was horrified that more than half of the 4 6th grade grade classes I met with did not know what an encyclopedia was and how to use it... upon reflecting further and discussing it with various colleagues I realized this:<BR/>1 - Their teacher was telling them to just go onto wikipedia to find the information<BR/>2 - Do they need to be able to access the Print Encyclopedia or is the online version the library/school subscribes to enough?<BR/>3 - Perhaps I'm better off combining the lesson on Encyclopedias to incorporate the online and print version. (How, I have to still figure out.)<BR/><BR/>The truth is, I've been reading a lot about this:<BR/>Alan November's article in Teachlearning: Banning Student 'Containers' http://www.techlearning.com/showArticle.php?articleID=196604487.<BR/>or<BR/>Braun, Linda W. "Reading It's Not Just About Books." YALS Summer 2007. P. 38<BR/>The latter article had me thinking about the NYS Standard to read 25 books... should we be measuring it by books? Should it be like in California (I believe) which measure by words... which allows us to include online material, magazines, etc.ELKhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18279023197332354821noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6546225488213042069.post-13753543256994643892007-10-23T06:23:00.000-04:002007-10-23T06:23:00.000-04:00THIS ENDS THE COMMENTS AND REFLECTIONS OF EDC921 S...THIS ENDS THE COMMENTS AND REFLECTIONS OF EDC921 SUMMER '07 PARTICIPANTS.davidhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07915119750533012712noreply@blogger.com