Monday, March 26, 2012
Saturday, March 24, 2012
Blog Assignment 8
This is How We Dream: Part 1 & 2:
Richard E. Miller discusses the past conventions, current practices and possible futures of using multimedia and the web to enhance the possibilities of the writing culture in his lecture This is How We Dream. As our technology advances the abilities of sharing information has become nearly instantaneous and available everywhere to anyone.
With the tools currently available the former need for purchasing or loaning a book out has disappeared and writing tools have grown from words in print to digital displays full of text, images, sound and video. The diversity of these documents allows for the stimulation of thought through multiple senses as well as the ability to enhance an emotional response with a separate form of media that may not have been evoked through the use of solely words or images.
The lecture also discusses the benefits of the instantaneous publishing of an idea through the use of the web. Be these ideas an article, blog post or video posted it is available to be seen by everyone at the moment of its publication. There is no longer the delay of up to years of the writing, copyright and publishing process. These ideas also come free of charge as information and ideas can be shared as they are meant to be to stimulate further discussion and in turn lead to advancements in whatever facet the given idea approaches.
The author presents valid points about the use of multimedia to share ideas and stimulate thought through the use of multiple stimulations. However, while these forms of presenting writing do allow an author to convey their idea more clearly it also takes away some of the freedom of thought that a reader experiences. We must be careful not to over direct thought and allow for independent interpretation. If we are not careful we will approach the thought process of: “Why write a fiction novel when I could just make a movie?”
Personally, I am prepared to write in this manner and have done so regularly through my education process. Using tools like slide shows to give a presentation are a form of such writing and with more and more As for the ability of the future students of our education system being able to utilize these methods of writing it is fairly clear that they will be more than adept. While a great writer does not lie within each person, everyone can in fact write once taught the general tools. The tools of the multimedia writing are already integrated into our society as children are exposed to more and more advanced technology at younger and younger ages. It must just be conveyed to the student the proper way to utilize the tools just like grammar teaches us to properly use words.
Blog Post #12:
Carly Pugh has designed an assignment in her Blog Post #12 that gives teaching an in depth exercise into the ideas of Dr. Miller in the use of multimedia to write. Dr. Miller urges that these practices allow for a much more in depth expression of the author’s ideas and this is clearly seen through Carly’s post. While reading the post there are links throughout that allow the reader to take a look into her meaning behind the words that she is using. This could be done through length descriptions and stories and the same effect may or may not be reached. However, with the use of the videos that are linked throughout the post, the reader is able to understand and be stimulated in the way that the author desired. While this less classical form of writing may lack on the literary elements, it does achieve similar effects. As Dr. Miller expressed in his lectures this is a much better use of the tools at the hands of a teacher. Today’s world is a digital world, especially those currently in and entering into the education system, whose attention is grabbed by colors, video and sound and writings, such as this blog post, directly address this new and technologically advanced audience.
EDM 310 is Different
After watching the videos The Chipper Series and EDM310 for Dummies I was inspired in the direction of instructional videos. One of the primary tools that we utilize in EDM310 is Blogger. I’ve come across blogs while in this class, both student and non-student, that lack in creativity in term of visual stimulation. Personally, I have enjoyed putting a personal touch into the way my blog looks with backgrounds, fonts and the embedding of text and video. I think it would be a useful tool to produce an instructional video using screen and voice recording to walk users through this program. While the tools are simple to use some may not have the desire or knowledge to find these tools, nor how to use them to their full potential.
The Chipper Series is an interesting parody on the many misconceptions that students carry and the consequences that can come from life lived under these misconceptions. Chipper begins with the simple mistakes of not applying herself in school and taking as many shortcuts as she possibly can. After leaving school she continues these bad habits of taking the easy way out and a sense of entitlement. Many of these misconceptions come from society thinking that things should be handed to us just for showing up or paying our tuition. However, when extended into the real world these lead to failure. Through the course of the series, Chipper just slides downhill from student to garbage collector and in the end realizes the error of her ways and returns to school with a newfound desire to apply herself. Overall we see the message that education and application of one’s self to the task at hand is what is required for success.
While masked behind a promotional ad for a book, EDM310 for Dummies carried a different message to me. I have yet to think about the many programs and tools that I have learned through this class and the benefits that these will provide to me as tools in my future teaching. During this class I have found a use beyond shopping and social networking on the internet. I previously had little knowledge of the scholarly uses of such programs and the niche that they are gaining in today’s education system. I cannot wait to apply these programs beyond this class and extend my student’s future learning experiences through their use.
Learn to Change, Change to Learn:
In Learn to Change, Change to Learn there are interesting and valid arguments made for movement away from the classical education system. These ideas push towards a more internet based and thus worldwide education system that involves many of the tools students currently use for themselves. These tools may simply be interfacing with technology to using social media for sharing of ideas. In the schools of the past students learn from books and teachers how to read, write and do math. There exists some technological education through computer classes and word processing but these are limited. However, from the arguments presented in the video one speaker mentions the “death of education and the birth of learning”. I feel that this idea is one we should in fact fear. Just because the world is one of technology doesn’t mean that all else may be abandoned. Students need to be able to learn, think and communicate in ways unaided by the use of computers. While technology gives us capabilities beyond what could be imagined before, the basis of social networking and business is people. There must be a point of balance that we find between educating students in the way that we have always been educated and the use of the tools currently available to do so. To leave the classical classroom behind altogether is a mistake.
Scavenger Hunt 2.0:
On the scavenger hunt created by Justin Cometti I selected to look for the source of the presentation given in the post, a new video tool that I had never used and the poll creating software. The presentation, Teaching in the 21st Century, provided in the assignment was most likely created by Prezi, which utilizes zooming to text and pictures instead of the classical slideshow. On the pricing page there is a section for students and teachers (those with educational based email accounts) to gain access to the program for a reduced rate. The base model is free to all but the more advanced versions come at a cost. However, for students and teachers this is greatly reduced as the middle version of the program is now free and the pro version is down to $59 dollars per year. These versions offer some additional tools to make the program more useful and at the noted small budgets of students and teachers come of great relief.
For the second part of the scavenger hunt I used one of the video tools featured on the Web2.0 Tools called Animoto. This video tool allows the user to create video from photos, video clips, text and sounds. All of these can be selected from personal internet sites like Facebook and Instagram or uploaded from a personal computer. All of this is simply done and the software itself uses features based on the skills of real film directors to place images and video together into the theme that you select for a well designed production. Once complete the program is designed to share your creation through many popular outlets.
For the final part of the scavenger hunt I created a poll using Polleverywhere which allows for the creation of polls that can be voted on using the internet or mobile devices with texting. My poll creation was about the selection of a favorite desert and can be found through the embedded link.
With the tools currently available the former need for purchasing or loaning a book out has disappeared and writing tools have grown from words in print to digital displays full of text, images, sound and video. The diversity of these documents allows for the stimulation of thought through multiple senses as well as the ability to enhance an emotional response with a separate form of media that may not have been evoked through the use of solely words or images.
The lecture also discusses the benefits of the instantaneous publishing of an idea through the use of the web. Be these ideas an article, blog post or video posted it is available to be seen by everyone at the moment of its publication. There is no longer the delay of up to years of the writing, copyright and publishing process. These ideas also come free of charge as information and ideas can be shared as they are meant to be to stimulate further discussion and in turn lead to advancements in whatever facet the given idea approaches.
The author presents valid points about the use of multimedia to share ideas and stimulate thought through the use of multiple stimulations. However, while these forms of presenting writing do allow an author to convey their idea more clearly it also takes away some of the freedom of thought that a reader experiences. We must be careful not to over direct thought and allow for independent interpretation. If we are not careful we will approach the thought process of: “Why write a fiction novel when I could just make a movie?”
Personally, I am prepared to write in this manner and have done so regularly through my education process. Using tools like slide shows to give a presentation are a form of such writing and with more and more As for the ability of the future students of our education system being able to utilize these methods of writing it is fairly clear that they will be more than adept. While a great writer does not lie within each person, everyone can in fact write once taught the general tools. The tools of the multimedia writing are already integrated into our society as children are exposed to more and more advanced technology at younger and younger ages. It must just be conveyed to the student the proper way to utilize the tools just like grammar teaches us to properly use words.
Blog Post #12:
EDM 310 is Different
After watching the videos The Chipper Series and EDM310 for Dummies I was inspired in the direction of instructional videos. One of the primary tools that we utilize in EDM310 is Blogger. I’ve come across blogs while in this class, both student and non-student, that lack in creativity in term of visual stimulation. Personally, I have enjoyed putting a personal touch into the way my blog looks with backgrounds, fonts and the embedding of text and video. I think it would be a useful tool to produce an instructional video using screen and voice recording to walk users through this program. While the tools are simple to use some may not have the desire or knowledge to find these tools, nor how to use them to their full potential.
The Chipper Series is an interesting parody on the many misconceptions that students carry and the consequences that can come from life lived under these misconceptions. Chipper begins with the simple mistakes of not applying herself in school and taking as many shortcuts as she possibly can. After leaving school she continues these bad habits of taking the easy way out and a sense of entitlement. Many of these misconceptions come from society thinking that things should be handed to us just for showing up or paying our tuition. However, when extended into the real world these lead to failure. Through the course of the series, Chipper just slides downhill from student to garbage collector and in the end realizes the error of her ways and returns to school with a newfound desire to apply herself. Overall we see the message that education and application of one’s self to the task at hand is what is required for success.
While masked behind a promotional ad for a book, EDM310 for Dummies carried a different message to me. I have yet to think about the many programs and tools that I have learned through this class and the benefits that these will provide to me as tools in my future teaching. During this class I have found a use beyond shopping and social networking on the internet. I previously had little knowledge of the scholarly uses of such programs and the niche that they are gaining in today’s education system. I cannot wait to apply these programs beyond this class and extend my student’s future learning experiences through their use.
Learn to Change, Change to Learn:
Scavenger Hunt 2.0:
For the second part of the scavenger hunt I used one of the video tools featured on the Web2.0 Tools called Animoto. This video tool allows the user to create video from photos, video clips, text and sounds. All of these can be selected from personal internet sites like Facebook and Instagram or uploaded from a personal computer. All of this is simply done and the software itself uses features based on the skills of real film directors to place images and video together into the theme that you select for a well designed production. Once complete the program is designed to share your creation through many popular outlets.
For the final part of the scavenger hunt I created a poll using Polleverywhere which allows for the creation of polls that can be voted on using the internet or mobile devices with texting. My poll creation was about the selection of a favorite desert and can be found through the embedded link.
Sunday, March 11, 2012
Project 10--My PLN
I have always been very interested and acclimated with the different forms of technology. Before I started this class, I regularly used Twitter and I already had a Google account. However, this class has made me grow from a technology literate to technologically advance. I have learned how to properly use a hash tag, how to right a quality blog post, how to share documents with other people using Google, and how to create a podcast. I use my social networking sites for more than personal use; I use them for school-related topics, too.
I explored the world of Symbaloo, and I think it is so nifty! Even though it was listed in our project assignments, I noticed it when I watched A Seventh Graders Personal Learning Environment. Her screen was so organized and she had all of her school-related links on the bottom and her personal websites on the top. I liked the personal Internet desktop and I would like to have my students to use it, as well. I think it will help them stay organized and accomplish more in the classroom, or at home.
Blog Assignment 7
First off, I was very impressed with this video. It was very informative and creatively put together. I liked that everything was hand drawn and the cutout websites and graph. It takes a lot of practice to make sure all the props are where they need to be and on time with the narrator. So, kudos to Wendy Drexler!
Now, I think using social networking in the classroom is a great idea. They mention the use of blogs to obtain information. I know, personally, that I have learned so much in this class from reading other peoples blogs, and so does the student in this video. He mentioned that blogs are filled with more opinions than facts, and it helps students understand the topic more by starting discussions—I agree. I am, also, a big fan of audio books. I listen to my books while I’m driving. The use of the bookmarking sites is a convenient way for others to find/share information about the same topics.
He asks the question: Why does he even need a teacher? Well, he also answers that question. His teacher teaches him how to build this network and take advantage of this learning opportunity. She is there for guidance and to teach him how to ask experts, respectfully, for their opinions. She is also there to motivate, encourage, and be excited for him when he finds the right content.
I will definitely use these different tactics in my classroom. I feel like this is something the kids will get excited about, rather than just staring at a text book all day. Granted, I’ll be in the classroom everyday and will be “lecturing”, but I would like to use the Internet, blogs, and the bookmarking sites to change the “scenery” in my classroom.
Now, I think using social networking in the classroom is a great idea. They mention the use of blogs to obtain information. I know, personally, that I have learned so much in this class from reading other peoples blogs, and so does the student in this video. He mentioned that blogs are filled with more opinions than facts, and it helps students understand the topic more by starting discussions—I agree. I am, also, a big fan of audio books. I listen to my books while I’m driving. The use of the bookmarking sites is a convenient way for others to find/share information about the same topics.
He asks the question: Why does he even need a teacher? Well, he also answers that question. His teacher teaches him how to build this network and take advantage of this learning opportunity. She is there for guidance and to teach him how to ask experts, respectfully, for their opinions. She is also there to motivate, encourage, and be excited for him when he finds the right content.
I will definitely use these different tactics in my classroom. I feel like this is something the kids will get excited about, rather than just staring at a text book all day. Granted, I’ll be in the classroom everyday and will be “lecturing”, but I would like to use the Internet, blogs, and the bookmarking sites to change the “scenery” in my classroom.
Thursday, March 8, 2012
C4T Summary
Wednesday, March 7, 2012
Tuesday, March 6, 2012
Blog Assignment 6
Randy Pausch gave his last lecture on September 18, 2007. He was diagnosed with terminal pancreatic cancer on September 16, 2006 and was given three to six months of good health left. His last lecture was very upbeat and he was cracking jokes. I’m not sure I would able to act that way, knowing my time on Earth was limited. This just goes to show what a great, strong man Randy Pausch was. He mentioned the irony of this being his “last lecture”. He was at peace with his condition and chose to reach out and help individuals, one last time.
He walks into this auditorium to a standing ovation and responds with “make me earn it”. Well, Randy, you did. One of his jokes that I giggled at was when he addressed his disease with pancreatic cancer and says: “I’m still in better shape than most of you” and proceeds to do push-ups. He still had so much life in his final months. It was nice to see the pictures of him as a child, always with a smile on his face. In every image I googled of him, he was smiling. Even in this last lecture, he was smiling and laughing. He seemed very ambitious as a child by wanting to meet/ne Captain Kirk, play in the NFL, be in zero gravity, and becoming a Disney Imagineer. He accomplished several things he wanted to do or be as a child.
After he talked about his childhood dreams, he eased into enabling the dreams of others. He mentioned that there was no better job than enabling the childhood dreams of others. Tommy Burnette helped him realize that he could enable the dreams of others. He conducted an on-line class at Carnegie Mellon to teach others the same thing. He has helped so many people, and will continue doing so, even after his passing.
It is very rare to meet someone like Randy Pausch. Even though I do not know him personally, it’s not hard to distinguish what type of person he was. His last lecture video on YouTube has over fourteen million views, and that will continue to grow. I am very grateful this video was a requirement because it taught me how I can help others achieve their goal, as well as my own. His strength, courage, and giving nature is inspiring.
Saturday, March 3, 2012
C4K Summary
C4K #1: My first child’s name I was assigned to was Cesar from Mr. C’s class. Cesar wrote a story about a vacation. This child has such a vivid imagination and he incorporated several visual details in his post. He talks about a path he takes while his parents were out on the boat. He found a picture of a dirt road in the woods and put it in the middle of his post so you could have a clearer idea of what he was visioning. He also added an audio clip of a thunderstorm. I complimented him on his creative imagination and how he added enough detail for me to picture everything he was saying. Oh, and he drew a really nice drawing using Paint that I really enjoyed.
C4K #2: My second child was 20Jlongest and he wrote about his dog, Digs. He is a golden retriever that, apparently, isn’t very calm and barks a lot. His post was short, but he basically talks about how Digs is his best friend and that he’s a rather gassy dog—which made me giggle. I tried to relate to him, so I told him about my dog and told him I have always wanted a golden retriever. Like I said, it was a short post, but the child loves his pup!
C4K #3: My third child’s name is Ashley and her blog was about skyping with a class from New Orleans, LA and the Mardi Gras culture. She talks about the Mardi Gras Mambo, Zulu coconuts, the meaning of Fat Tuesday, and what the Mardi Gras colors mean. She seemed tickled about the king cake and the plastic baby tradition. In my reply, I gave her a little more background information about Mardi Gras and how it originated in Mobile. I also mentioned that I attend school in Mobile. I didn’t know what the Mardi Gras colors represented, so I made sure to tell her she taught me something. I think it’s nice for student’s to know they teach us a good bit of the time.
C4K #4: This was my favorite post. The child I was assigned to this week was 5P5 and his blog was about drinking and driving. He mentions that drinking and driving can lead to accidents, hurting someone, or diseases. One particular statement of his that stood out to me was: “It’s also bad for children’s future because they might see what you are doing and want to do that too.” If a child can see the repercussions of drinking and driving, why can’t we? I commented and told him that I really liked his post and, particularly, his statement on how ones actions can affect people, other than themselves. He commented back thanking me for commenting on his post. I didn’t realize that these kids really do enjoy when people pay attention to their blog. They think they’re just doing an assignment, but they’re impacting those who take the time to read.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)