My Website

It is finally DONE! - Please take a look at my WEBSITE

Creating this has been very time consuming, but I am really happy with the result.  This is my first website and I have learned a great deal while creating it. 
Your comments and suggestions are greatly appreciated!

ICONN - "Connecticut Digital Library"

IConn helps insure digital equity because it is FREE. Schools that have to manage with small budgets are able to gain access to the same information as schools with more funds. It is a great step to making sure there is digital equity. It is really impressive how many resources there are on IConn. I know that as a Library Media Specialist, this will be an incredible asset.
There are many resources that I will use: Junior and Student Edition, Popular Magazines, Biography in Context, etc. My favorite was "Student Resource in Context", it was full of great pictures and was very easy to use. The home page features updated topic guides for: Biography, Geography, Government, Literature, History, Social Issues, and Science. The site was very appealing, I think students would enjoy exploring the site to find information and resources.

The Computer Delusion

Oppenheimer’s The Computer Delusion is a very provocative article about computers in education.  It brings up many interesting points and I can see why this article would be considered controversial.  Being in the Educational Technology program, I do believe in using computers and incorporating technology in to education whenever possible. I also think that the positives for the use of technology on schools far outweigh the negatives.  I love learning about new ways to incorporate technology into the classroom to make learning more interactive and fun.  That being said, there is certainly a need for balance and Oppenheimer's article addressed this concern very well.

It was interesting to read that many schools are shifting funds for other programs, such as shop or art classes.  I do agree that it may not be the best decision, to take from one area and put into another.  There needs to be a balance of skills in addition to technology skills. The world we live in requires technology skills, and it is important that as educators we prepare our students to be successful.  But since so many students access to computers and technology on their own time, shouldn't school expose them to new experiences too?  The article mentioned a school that "killed its music program last year to hire a technology coordinator" along with other examples of elimination of a subject for technology. 

I agreed with the discussion in the article about giving students a "broad base"  and the need to use common sense when implementing technology. Most proponents of technology do not intend for technology to replace teachers.  That is why it is important to educate teachers about the "project-oriented learning" approach that can increase student success with technology. Oppenheimer is not suggesting that computers be banned, but that more thought be put into the federal spending on the push for compters in schools.  The article is very thought provoking and a must read for anyone interested in different perspectives on computers in education.

Digital Divide

Most people have are familiar with the phrase "digital divide".  Many might think the digital divide refers solely to technology tools, for example computers. The digital divide also includes inequalities in quality of the access to information.  These inequalities are primarily based on socioeconomic levels.  As a future library media specialist it is something that I have to be aware of and prepared for.  Some school districts have plenty of resources, while others may be scarce. It is important that teachers make the most the technology they have, but that schools do not rely on technology to do the teaching.
As the article Closing the Gender Gap reported, there is also a digital divide between males and females as well.  The gender gap in technology was the most interesting for me to read about, because it is not something I have considered much before. It is important that all students are encouraged to utilize technology.

Non-linear PowerPoint

I enjoyed the "Non-linear Powerpoint" experience. I created a quiz on literary terms. powerpoint has a wide variety of clipart, so I was able to find pictures related to my topic. I used an eraser image when the wrong answer was selected - clicking the eraser brings you back to the question. This is a nice feature of non-linear powerpoint - going to a different slide depending on what answer you select. I think this is something students could use for creating their own powerpoint presentations. Teachers can also create lessons with review questions that either lead forward in the lesson or back for more review.
The value of non-linear powerpoint over the traditional variety is that they are designed to be more interactive. This, in turn, holds the audience's attention better. Non-linear powerpoint presentations are a useful tool for teachers to engage their students and let them become involved - not just listen to a lecture.

Mid-Term Reflections...

This course thus far has been a great introduction to educational technology, I have gotten a chance to learn about some new technology tools – Wordle, Blogster and get actual experience with things I have heard of but never used much –blogging, wikis and Photostory. I like hearing and reading about everyone’s perspective depending on what their area of specialization is. I enjoyed learning Photoshop the most and am thinking of some more projects I can use it for. I also liked the digital story lesson and watching everyone’s different interpretation of the Robert Frost poem.
I think the most challenging part, aside from understanding copyright laws, is coming up with creative ideas for the projects. There have been moments when I have felt pretty creatively challenged, and that can be frustrating. Not being in the school system yet, and this being my first semester, I do not always really know how these technology tools would be applied, it is still a bit abstract for me. I do find it useful to always try to connect the technologies and lessons to content standards – to start thinking like a teacher. For the remainder of the semester, I am looking forward to learning about podcasting the most; this will be new for me. Also, perfecting the website and making things look the way I want takes more time than I would have thought; I want to spend time to make it JUST RIGHT.

Robert Frost Digital Story

In class, Olivia and I created this digital story based on Robert Frost's "Stopping By Woods on a Snowy Evening" using PhotoStory.  We found photos online that represented the words in the poem.  We then added the narration of the poem to the photos one by one, and finally we chose some background music. 
I found the project fun, the step-by-step process of PhotoStory pretty easy. I am looking forward to creating my own story and getting more creative.

Inquiry-Based Learning

Inquiry-based learning means active involvement in learning – not just memorization of facts or information.  In inquiry-based learning, students are engaged in activities that help them ask questions, experiment, solve problems and come to conclusions independently and in groups.  I am not teaching yet, so I have not used inquiry-based learning as a teacher.  I have used inquiry-based learning as a student, though I didn’t know the name for it!  Although most of my previous college courses were lecture based, some of the smaller classes I have had there was some inquiry-based learning: experiments, group discussions and projects. 

Inquiry-based learning would frequently be used in my student-centered Library Media Center.  Whether students were learning the library curriculum or lessons in collaboration with a fellow teacher, they would be encouraged to ask questions and explore.  Technology tools, such as web resources and electronic databases are tools students will use for their inquiry in the library media center.  Technology also offers new opportunities for students to create “products” from inquiry-based lesson and projects: digital stories, blogs, etc.  Putting an emphasis on this kind of learning would ensure students develop critical thinking skills; these skills will transcend the classroom and library. From the AASL standards for 21st century learners: 1.1.1 Follow an inquiry-based process in seeking knowledge in curricular subjects, and make the real-world connection for using this process in real life.

What are the implications of copyright issues for educators?

Learning and understanding copyright law can be a quite challenging. Copyright laws are evolving and questions that arise regarding fair use are subject to different interpretations.  Educators are fortunate because "fair use" of copyrighted materials applies to educational use. Fair use is not "the right to steal" but provides four standards for determination of the use of copyrighted material without permission. Teachers and other educators must understand and apply theses standards to ensure they are being compliant.
It is also a good idea for teachers to seek out and use material from the public domain, that is material that does not have copyright, whenever possible. Another implication of copyright is the use of educational software; educators must use software in accordance with its licensing agreement.
Teachers should also be aware of the limits on the amount of copyrighted multimedia material that can be used in educational projects. Educators need to be familiar with copyright laws and should also be prepared for any potential questions that students may ask. It is the responsibility of educators to keep informed about copyright and realize the impact of the copyright on education.

"eTips and UDL"

The "value added" for the uses of technology we have been discussing in class this semester include communicating about individual experiences and learning and publishing information for an audience, like done with blogging. Also creating visual representations, giving students’ the ability to show others about what they have learned in a variety of formats. So far this semester we have seen the potential for using wikis, Wordle, Picnik, Photoshop, or Tableau Vivant to enhance lessons.

The uses of technology go hand in hand with the UDL principles - creating educational goals, methods, materials, and assessments that work for everyone. The UDL guidelines assist in creating curricula that meet the needs of every type of learner. Integrating technology provides ways to enhance the curricula and to individualizing instruction or making it more responsive to student’s interests and learning styles.

Photoshop

I created this picture using Photoshop:

I combined three of my pictures to create this boys in the woods picture. The "magic wand" was the perfect tool to take Hank out of a picture from the beach and Duke off the couch. I used the clone tool to extend the trees to cover up the vehicles that were in the original picture.  Finally I used the "artistic dry brush filter" which adds a painting look to the picture  - which also helps cover up the imperfections.

Photoshop can be fun to use - but can also be a challenge to learn.  There are so many tools and options offered by Photoshop, I spent tons of time experimenting.  I think it would be most useful for older students; for younger students a teacher could create something on there own to generate interest in a particular lesson.

There are many creative ways to use Photoshop in lesson plans: students can use Photoshop to create visual representations of novels or poems, create posters on a variety of topics or even put themselves in historical photos or paintings.

Tableau Vivant - "Living Picture"

Tableau vivant started as a form of entertainment, then a form of art photography.  Today it is also used as an educational tool. 

Our tableau vivant activity was to take only three pictues depicting the fable of the ant and the grasshopper. While the ant toiled to prepare for winter, the grasshopper was carefree and did not have the foresight that ant did. When winter came, the ants were prepared while the grasshopper was starving. I thought the activity was a great group activity that everyone contributed to. It made the story much more interesting and memorable than if we had just read it.

Beyond just being applicable to art class, students can reenact important scenes from a novel, play or story and capture it with pictures. That same concept can be applied to historically significant  moments that students are learning about in history class.

The Ant and the Grasshopper

Photos by Picnik

Using Picnik is great way to edit or revitalize your pictures! It offers basic editing like cropping and "auto-fix", effects to change your photos to black and white, night vision, pencil sketch and more! This is a useful resource for anyone who loves taking and sharing photos - you can make the most out of any shot and add variety to an scrapbook or album.

Copan Ruins - Honduras - I cropped, auto-fixed, and added a frame.

A sign in Portland, Maine - I used "Neon Sign" to change the look of this photo.

My Boys, Before

My Boys - made even cuter: I started with auto-fix, then cropped the photo. Next, I added a rounded edge and a border. I used text to write who is who and finally, I used the furball red-eye touch-up on Hank. 

Library Bill of Rights Wordle

Create your own Wordle

Standard For My Content Area

I plan on becoming a High School Library Media Specialist.
The standard I am using for this semester:
AASL Standards for the 21-st Century Learner

Incorporating technology into activities can benefit students with different learning styles.
For visual learners: having resources available for lessons filled with images, graphs and maps
Auditory learners: incorporating MP3 players into the school in addition to having a wide array of videos available
Kinesthetic learning: These types of learners "learn by doing" so incorporating role playing, games, experiments and models in addition to having students get up and get involved with lessons, not just sit still.

About the Blog I Read

The Power of Technology Blog - This is a useful blog about Education Technology by Liz B. Davis, Director of Academic Technology at Belmont Hill School. Even just reading through the first few blogs there were several things that I took note of.  There was praise for Chip Health's Switch: How To Change Things When Change Is Hard, I have been hearing about this book a lot lately, and need to read it!
This blog also had a really comprehensive "Ed-Tech Blogroll"
The most recent post was about the much lamented by the blogger and blog followers September 4th New York Times article: In the Classroom of Futures, Stagnant Scores It was an interesting article, and made me realize everyone is not in agreement with the importance of technology in schools. Working in a higher education environment where technology is at the center of everything and just starting out in the Educational Technology program, I haven't really read about any opposition to technology in education. The article claims that there is not a lot of research on the subject and the research that has been done "...does not establish a clear link between computer-inspired engagement and learning."Is this true? It is something I need to look further into.

Teddy Bears Go Blogging

Brenda Sherry's "Teddy Bears Go Blogging" details her revamping of the iEARN teddy bear exchange program. Instead of using e-mail, Sherry uses blogging. I think it is such a creative use of technology, pen pals 2.0! The article points out that using blogs can be an effective way for teachers to spark students interest in writing. The students were actually excited about the project and looked forward to working both independently at home and in groups at school.
Blogging can be also be a tool that helps with learning internet safety as they learn about other cultures through their pen pals. Students write about the adventures of the bears at school and at home and can include photos.  Others can comment easier which encouraging the students even more. Students at all grade levels can benefit from experience with blogging.

What I want to learn in MD 400

I am excited about this class and how much experience I am going to get with a variety of technology. I am looking forward to gaining experience with Photoshop and podcasting.  I have been able to work my way through Photoshop a little bit, but I would like to feel like I actually KNOW what I am doing. I am already finding useful tips, for example the Google form, that I think I can use in the current position.  I am also looking forward to creating a web site to see how they come together.  I am taking everything in and always thinking how I can apply this to what I do now and what I plan to be doing in the future.

Learning Styles

I have taken similar quizzes in the past and had a good idea where I would fall. There were no real surprises for these quizzes. For the learning styles quiz I am logical-mathematical, visual-spatial and intrapersonal and for the "what's your style" I am a visual learner. I preferred the “edutopia” learning styles quiz over the other since there were more specific learning styles, not just the broad three. The mantras were a nice touch.

The implications for teaching are that as teachers we will have to keep in mind that students are going to have a variety of learning styles. Knowing students learning styles can help teachers be better prepared. The best way for one student to learn may not be the best way another, so teachers need to learn to adapt. Technology can offer assistance and can open up more possibilities for students to learn and study in a way that is consistent with their learning style.

MP3 Homework

Knapp’s MP3 article was very informative and I was interested to see an example of technology changing the way students study and learn. The traditional classroom is changing and educators need to know when to embrace new technology as a teaching aid.  Some students just put off their reading assignments because they don’t want to sit still for that long. If using a MP3 player means actually listening to the chapter assigned, then it can be a very positive impact on a class. The article pointed out that technology trends are changing the way people are educated. Teaching methods need to be constantly evolving to keep up. Using MP3 players can enhance students study practices and make learning more fun.
As a future library media specialist, I realize it is going to be an important part of my job to bring the newest technology to the school.  It will also be important to encourage teachers to implement the new technology if it would be useful in their subject.
As others have mentioned, students' ability to multi-task is pretty impressive. I do think that doing so many things at once can mean you are not necessarily doing the task as efficiently as you could be. This could just mean an increase in time spent studying, a student might have to study 3 hours for something if they are listening to music checking email and Facebook or going back and forth between different assignments as opposed spending less time completely focused on the one task. While reading the article I was getting concerned that reading less would result in poorer reading comprehension skills, but the article claimed that listening to books encourages reading. I think that MP3 players can be a great tool for educators.