In the article I read, it explains virtual classrooms as a private online blackboard that teachers can use for student learning. These classrooms are done online which means they can be accessed at any time of day but is just as busy as a regular classroom. It also includes a list of things a virtual classroom might include, and why the reader should use a virtual classroom.
Virtual classrooms are almost the same as a face-to-face meeting, with the difference being that your not physically seeing the other person and the virtual classroom can be done at any time; within the instructor’s limitations if any. In a virtual classroom, you can keep in touch with students, other teachers and even chat with parents. The teacher can still provide group or individual projects, quizzes, surveys, homework assignments, and open a new door to students with technology. They also allow you to instantly see a grade on a test because it is grading electronically, and the students can have a personal page that shows individual grades and comments done by the teacher.
In my opinion, virtual classrooms are a great alternative to the traditional classroom. Just like our education class that we are all taking online, we have the freedom to log on whenever we have time and complete assignments given to us by our professor. Virtual classrooms are great for stay at home moms, or dads, that do not have a lot of time but with the help of this technology they can still do their routine duties at home and have the luxury of furthering their career. It is also good for college students that are already worn out from having classes in person, driving back and forth, working and just getting used to being on their own.
I think this technology is a really good idea but I’m not sure if it will help me. I’m going to be teaching elementary students and virtual classrooms seem like a big responsibility for a younger child. I need to do some research into exactly what grade or age is appropriate for this technology. Also, maybe there is an alternative to it being solely a virtual classroom. For example, the students would still meet in a classroom but have their grades posted on a web page so that they can review them at anytime and their parents can stay up to date with their grades so that they know where their child stands instead of waiting for a report card when it is almost too late to make changes. Overall, it seems like a great thing!
http://education.qld.gov.au/learningplace/onlinelearning/virtual-classroom.html
Monday, March 24, 2008
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
Streaming Video
The article I read describes Rhode Islands' PBS Video Streaming program, which is a "subscription-based service that gives teachers and students access to more than 4,000 full-length and 44,000 clips of core curriculm and standard based video programs instantly over the internet". For their particular program, all the teacher has to do is type in a keyword or concept into the search box and the database will locate the information by subject and/or grade. Stream video play digital media in 'real time', they play as soon as enough video or play back audio data has been received and stored in the receiving station's buffer. Although it is downloaded, it does not stay on your computer after you have exited out of it.
This relates to teaching by showing students a fun way of learning. As mentioned in previous blogs, students are becoming more technologically advanced and stream video is just one more plus for teachers because the students are more likely to watch a video or pictures than sitting there solely listening to lecture. One subject it is good for is science classes. For example, the teacher is teaching his/her students about tectonic plates, with this technolgy there could be a video of these plates and what the outcome is for the world. The site also mentions that videos are always up to date and current which is a plus because it's cheaper than buying new books just because someone found new information.
I think stream video is a great technology with a lot of advantages for the years to come. It can be used in every subject, it is a fun way for students to learn and students would actually pay attention, and stream videos are viewed online for free. Plus, no trees are cut down to be used as hand outs for students.
Although I think stream video is an excellent technology, there is still research to be done. I wonder how accurate the information really is, what schools in my area offer programs such as the one for the website I found, and how else to incorporate the stream videos into a lesson plan if I choose to use it in my class.
http://www.ripbs.org/Education/video_streaming.html
This relates to teaching by showing students a fun way of learning. As mentioned in previous blogs, students are becoming more technologically advanced and stream video is just one more plus for teachers because the students are more likely to watch a video or pictures than sitting there solely listening to lecture. One subject it is good for is science classes. For example, the teacher is teaching his/her students about tectonic plates, with this technolgy there could be a video of these plates and what the outcome is for the world. The site also mentions that videos are always up to date and current which is a plus because it's cheaper than buying new books just because someone found new information.
I think stream video is a great technology with a lot of advantages for the years to come. It can be used in every subject, it is a fun way for students to learn and students would actually pay attention, and stream videos are viewed online for free. Plus, no trees are cut down to be used as hand outs for students.
Although I think stream video is an excellent technology, there is still research to be done. I wonder how accurate the information really is, what schools in my area offer programs such as the one for the website I found, and how else to incorporate the stream videos into a lesson plan if I choose to use it in my class.
http://www.ripbs.org/Education/video_streaming.html
Friday, March 14, 2008
Podcasting
The article I read is "Podcasting in Education: A New Way to Inspire Learning". It starts off by stating that podcasting is a great tool for 'creative expression' with the knowledge of today's generation. Their definition of podcasts are audio or video files that are automatically delivered over the network and played back on a laptop or Ipod. It allows the teacher or student to include audio, video, presentation slides, movies or photos into their presentations. The teacher could also record a book narrative or foreign language assignment as homework.
Podcasts are definately benefinicial, especially with the years to come when students are going to become more visual, hand's on and technologically advanced. The website also mentions that podcasts can be published on a website and be sent to every computer on a school's network. This is a great idea for something that needs to be sent school wide; for example, a school wants to expand it's campus and the students want to be involved or the principal is giving a speech and not all students/faculty can attend because of personal reasons. With the use of podcasting, the students/faculty can still feel involved in the process by seeing and hearing things that they were not able to physically be at. They could also be used with a teacher that teaches the same subject three times a day, with the use of podcasts in the classroom, the teacher can go back and see or hear what she in the first class so she does not get confused on what she has said to one class, or if a student was not in class or just wants to freshen up on learning, they could easily go onto the school's website and use the podcast to their advantage.
In my opinion, I think podcasts are a great invention and should be used in the classroom. With the help of podcasts, students can extend their imagination and make their learning experience unique. And with the invention of Apple's new Mac computer which includes programs such as iMovie, iPhoto, iDVD, Garageband and a built in camera, it becomes a lot easier for students and teachers to use podcasting and share it with the class.
For futher research, I want to find some lesson plans where it would be beneficial to use podcasting in the classroom and guidelines to make it possible. Also, to find places to use podcasting other than the classroom and use it to my personal advantage.
http://www.apple.com/education/digitalauthoring/podcasting.html
Podcasts are definately benefinicial, especially with the years to come when students are going to become more visual, hand's on and technologically advanced. The website also mentions that podcasts can be published on a website and be sent to every computer on a school's network. This is a great idea for something that needs to be sent school wide; for example, a school wants to expand it's campus and the students want to be involved or the principal is giving a speech and not all students/faculty can attend because of personal reasons. With the use of podcasting, the students/faculty can still feel involved in the process by seeing and hearing things that they were not able to physically be at. They could also be used with a teacher that teaches the same subject three times a day, with the use of podcasts in the classroom, the teacher can go back and see or hear what she in the first class so she does not get confused on what she has said to one class, or if a student was not in class or just wants to freshen up on learning, they could easily go onto the school's website and use the podcast to their advantage.
In my opinion, I think podcasts are a great invention and should be used in the classroom. With the help of podcasts, students can extend their imagination and make their learning experience unique. And with the invention of Apple's new Mac computer which includes programs such as iMovie, iPhoto, iDVD, Garageband and a built in camera, it becomes a lot easier for students and teachers to use podcasting and share it with the class.
For futher research, I want to find some lesson plans where it would be beneficial to use podcasting in the classroom and guidelines to make it possible. Also, to find places to use podcasting other than the classroom and use it to my personal advantage.
http://www.apple.com/education/digitalauthoring/podcasting.html
Friday, February 22, 2008
Web based multimedia
The article I read was created as a learning tool for deaf, hard of hearing and learning impaired students. Since these students have a hard time comprehending the information because it is spoken, they use captions in their presentations. "Captions allow Web audio and video to be both perceivable to those who do not have access to audio and understandable to a wider audience." Some of the software they recommend is Quicktime, RealPlayer, Windows Media Player, Flash, Shockwave and Java.
This technology plays a major role in the learning process for students with disabilities. It helps those students feel included in the lesson that the teacher is teaching, and the teacher would not have to slow down to explain or let those students catch up. It also helps average students by giving them the opportunity to see the information as the teacher is presenting it.
I think this is a great tool. Not only could it be used in the classroom, but also outside for disabled adults. By having this technology available, they would not feel like their handicap is such a burden. Also, if you are viewing a video, for example, on the web and your speakers do not work, having this technology could help because you do not have to rely on hearing the information but instead you could view it.
Further research on this topic would be really helpful. As I was searching for an article for this assignment, there was not much to choose from. I would like to know where else it could be used and other methods to use this technology in the classroom.
http://www.csun.edu/cod/conf/2005/proceedings/2336.htm
This technology plays a major role in the learning process for students with disabilities. It helps those students feel included in the lesson that the teacher is teaching, and the teacher would not have to slow down to explain or let those students catch up. It also helps average students by giving them the opportunity to see the information as the teacher is presenting it.
I think this is a great tool. Not only could it be used in the classroom, but also outside for disabled adults. By having this technology available, they would not feel like their handicap is such a burden. Also, if you are viewing a video, for example, on the web and your speakers do not work, having this technology could help because you do not have to rely on hearing the information but instead you could view it.
Further research on this topic would be really helpful. As I was searching for an article for this assignment, there was not much to choose from. I would like to know where else it could be used and other methods to use this technology in the classroom.
http://www.csun.edu/cod/conf/2005/proceedings/2336.htm
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Digital Imagery
The article I read is titled: Increasing Visual Literacy Skills With Digital Imagery by Dr. Lance Wilhelm, Arizona State University - West Campus. Dr. Wilhelm starts the article by mentioning that visual literacy is becoming more important in schools everywhere and believes that students should acquire visual literacy skills. One way to help with these skills is by incorporating digital cameras into the lessons, and at Arizona State University, as Dr. Wilhelm mentions, they have a teaching course that focuses on intergrating new technology into the classroom. Some examples in the article are: taking pictures of students on the first day and uploading their photos, importing photos into powerpoint presentations, creating a photo journal of a field trip, and using photoshop to combine photos. The article also includes a section on selecting the right camera for your class room and other advantages/disadvantages.
I think digital imagery is a great tool to use in the classroom. It's a fun way that students can interact with one another and still learn. As mentioned in the article, our society is becoming more visual and the use of technology is expanding. By teaching students at a young age, they wont feel left out in society and digital imagery is something that can benefit them well into the future. For teachers, I think it's a good idea to show us how to incorporate digital imagery. It is a new spin on the normal everyday lecture.
Digital Imagery is not a new subject for me so I guess the only research would be to find new ways to incorporate it in lesson plans.
http://thejournal.com/articles/17145_1
I think digital imagery is a great tool to use in the classroom. It's a fun way that students can interact with one another and still learn. As mentioned in the article, our society is becoming more visual and the use of technology is expanding. By teaching students at a young age, they wont feel left out in society and digital imagery is something that can benefit them well into the future. For teachers, I think it's a good idea to show us how to incorporate digital imagery. It is a new spin on the normal everyday lecture.
Digital Imagery is not a new subject for me so I guess the only research would be to find new ways to incorporate it in lesson plans.
http://thejournal.com/articles/17145_1
Thursday, February 7, 2008
Storyboarding
The article I read was titled, "Storyboarding: A Story from Start to Finish". It defines a storyboard as "a sketch of how to organize a story and a list of its contents". The site includes a description of what a storyboard does, how to build your own and an example of a storyboard.
Storyboarding relates to teaching by providing students a way to sort out their information for a project and is a good tool for following directions. For example, students could use a storyboard for a book review. The first slide could be a picture of the cover of the book, the title, author and the student who is doing the review. The next slide could be a list of characters, the next could be the plot, the summary and finally the ending. The slides could include pictures depicting a scene or some other visual. It would also be good in a Geography class where you could incorporate maps and videos.
In my opinion, storyboards could be a valuable tool in the classroom. It expands the students minds and makes them learn the information in order to put together the project. It could also be used for adults at meetings or trying to explain something new to a group of people.
This is the first time I have heard of storyboarding, I knew about it but did not realize it. I need to do some more research into the topic though because I still do not know much about them and would like to know where else they could be useful.
http://multimedia.journalism.berkeley.edu/tutorials/reporting/starttofinish/storyboarding/
Storyboarding relates to teaching by providing students a way to sort out their information for a project and is a good tool for following directions. For example, students could use a storyboard for a book review. The first slide could be a picture of the cover of the book, the title, author and the student who is doing the review. The next slide could be a list of characters, the next could be the plot, the summary and finally the ending. The slides could include pictures depicting a scene or some other visual. It would also be good in a Geography class where you could incorporate maps and videos.
In my opinion, storyboards could be a valuable tool in the classroom. It expands the students minds and makes them learn the information in order to put together the project. It could also be used for adults at meetings or trying to explain something new to a group of people.
This is the first time I have heard of storyboarding, I knew about it but did not realize it. I need to do some more research into the topic though because I still do not know much about them and would like to know where else they could be useful.
http://multimedia.journalism.berkeley.edu/tutorials/reporting/starttofinish/storyboarding/
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
Wikis
The article I read is called "What is a Wiki?". It defines wiki as "a piece of server software that allows users to freely create and edit Web page content using any Web browser". At the end, it states that the first wiki created was for the Portland Pattern Repository in 1995 and includes links to other wiki sites.
It relates to teaching by allowing students, or teachers, to go into the site and broaden the meaning of a word. As the years go by, the meanings of certain words change or have an extended meaning that may be too new for others to know. With the use of a website such as Wikipedia, you can include the new meaning or change a current meaning that no longer fits the word.
I have mixed emotions for websites such as these. It is good in the sense that you can broaden a meaning but it also allows one to go and completely change the meaning of a word all together. For instance, I could go to one of these websites and change the sound a cat makes to "woof", and say a dog makes the sound "meow". I am sure the creator had good intentions when he invented it but I am just not sold on the idea yet.
I will have to do further research of my own on this subject to see if it is something I would encourage my students to use. I like that it lets you extend the meaning of a word but not that you can change the meaning all together.
http://wiki.org/wiki.cgi?WhatIsWiki
It relates to teaching by allowing students, or teachers, to go into the site and broaden the meaning of a word. As the years go by, the meanings of certain words change or have an extended meaning that may be too new for others to know. With the use of a website such as Wikipedia, you can include the new meaning or change a current meaning that no longer fits the word.
I have mixed emotions for websites such as these. It is good in the sense that you can broaden a meaning but it also allows one to go and completely change the meaning of a word all together. For instance, I could go to one of these websites and change the sound a cat makes to "woof", and say a dog makes the sound "meow". I am sure the creator had good intentions when he invented it but I am just not sold on the idea yet.
I will have to do further research of my own on this subject to see if it is something I would encourage my students to use. I like that it lets you extend the meaning of a word but not that you can change the meaning all together.
http://wiki.org/wiki.cgi?WhatIsWiki
Friday, January 25, 2008
Blogs
The article I read is titled: "Top 100 Education Blogs". It begins by stating that education blogs are becoming a new way to interact. It includes a list of blog categories that range from College to Technology that includes what the website finds to be the top 100.
Blogging relates to teaching because for one, it is something that can be done anywhere in the world, and in just about any location as long as you have Internet connection. It connects you to people that may be half way around the world and is a link to other people that feel the same as you on a certain subject or gives a written understanding of the opposing side. Also, blogs that are public can be viewed by anyone and is a helping tool if your stuck on something and need some advice on the matter. It can be beneficial for teachers that, for instance, are in a field with limited colleagues of the same subject and they need help with an assignment, all they have to do is log onto a blog site, and write out their problem. The only set back is that it may take awhile for the feedback to reach you.
In my opinion, blogs are very beneficial, not only to teachers but also to parents, classmates and many other people. It connects you to a world that you may not of known otherwise. Some of the setbacks, though, include anyone being able to view your opinion and work, and not always getting an answer right when you need it.
I never really considered blogs until this class but finding out more information would definitely be interesting to me. It opens up more opportunities for information than the ordinary face-to-face relations.
http://oedb.org/library/features/top-100-education-blogs
Blogging relates to teaching because for one, it is something that can be done anywhere in the world, and in just about any location as long as you have Internet connection. It connects you to people that may be half way around the world and is a link to other people that feel the same as you on a certain subject or gives a written understanding of the opposing side. Also, blogs that are public can be viewed by anyone and is a helping tool if your stuck on something and need some advice on the matter. It can be beneficial for teachers that, for instance, are in a field with limited colleagues of the same subject and they need help with an assignment, all they have to do is log onto a blog site, and write out their problem. The only set back is that it may take awhile for the feedback to reach you.
In my opinion, blogs are very beneficial, not only to teachers but also to parents, classmates and many other people. It connects you to a world that you may not of known otherwise. Some of the setbacks, though, include anyone being able to view your opinion and work, and not always getting an answer right when you need it.
I never really considered blogs until this class but finding out more information would definitely be interesting to me. It opens up more opportunities for information than the ordinary face-to-face relations.
http://oedb.org/library/features/top-100-education-blogs
Friday, January 18, 2008
Virtual Field Trip
The article I found is titled "The Nine Planet Solar System". The article begins by informing us that there is now officially only eight planets. It includes links such as "observatories" which directs the viewer to another page that has a list of telescopic observations that scientists have made, and a content page with links to the eight planets with pictures, and other information about them.
This technology can be very valuable to students. They can get a sense of a place, such as the Solar System, that they may never get the opportunity to see other wise. Also, some of the virtual field trips are made by students and other students can relate better when it is created by one of their peers.
With school only in session for approximately 8 hours a day, many teachers may feel like they do not have the time to get information across to their students, and encourage out of school learning. With websites such as the virtual field trips, students get to have a fun, interactive tool that, in my opinion, is more beneficial and interesting right at their finger tips. It also gives students a chance to visit a place that they may be nervous or scared about and can put them at ease.
The teacher can benefit from virtual field trips too. Schools have a certain criteria of what is appropriate for their students and by 'visiting' the place ahead of time, everyone, including parents, get a better idea of what their children will be exposed to.
This assignment has definately stuck my interest in finding out about places I can visit without spending money to do so, and will broaden my education. As a teacher, I will use this technology to my advantage to help better educate my future students.
http://www.seds.org/nineplanets/nineplanets/
This technology can be very valuable to students. They can get a sense of a place, such as the Solar System, that they may never get the opportunity to see other wise. Also, some of the virtual field trips are made by students and other students can relate better when it is created by one of their peers.
With school only in session for approximately 8 hours a day, many teachers may feel like they do not have the time to get information across to their students, and encourage out of school learning. With websites such as the virtual field trips, students get to have a fun, interactive tool that, in my opinion, is more beneficial and interesting right at their finger tips. It also gives students a chance to visit a place that they may be nervous or scared about and can put them at ease.
The teacher can benefit from virtual field trips too. Schools have a certain criteria of what is appropriate for their students and by 'visiting' the place ahead of time, everyone, including parents, get a better idea of what their children will be exposed to.
This assignment has definately stuck my interest in finding out about places I can visit without spending money to do so, and will broaden my education. As a teacher, I will use this technology to my advantage to help better educate my future students.
http://www.seds.org/nineplanets/nineplanets/
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