Hi there,
Students in this class were instructed to create a web page or blog to present their findings on emerging technologies that are being used in the education field. When I examined the requirements for this assignment, two weeks ago, I was thrilled. I like blogs; I read blogs. I even think the word "blog" is very cool. It sorta rolls of the tongue. Say it with me, please: "Blog."
But I digress!
Two weeks ago, the idea of creating a blog, attempting something Ihave never before attempted, sounded pretty fun. And then reality set in - work commitments, family responsibilities, other course requirements and little things like eating and sleeping that conspire against us. And so here I sit, the night before the assignment is due, playing catch-up. My family is a little vexed that I've been hunched over my laptop all day; even the pets are ignoring me.
My kitchen table is lined with stained coffee mugs and empty bags of ketchup chips. Which, I guess, is really the point of this blog. My reason for being here is to introduce you to three technologies that will make your life easier so sit back, relax, have a potato chip and enjoy.
Connie
Sunday, June 13, 2010
Podcast Reminiscent of Star Trek But It Works
Hi there,
This is a great quote: “Real learning occurs when learners learn by doing and making things.”
The first time I heard the word “podcast” I was transported (teleported?) back in time to my Trekkie days. I was a huge Star Trek fan. The thought of listening to a podcast sounded similar to being beamed up to the Starship Enterprise by Scottie! Captain Kirk and Dr. Spock and the Vulcans could not be far behind.
But I digress.
Podcast comes from iPod and broadcasting, which has managed to cause confusion because an iPod is not needed to listen to podcasts. Regardless the name has stuck. Fans of podcasting say podcasts are a great way to keep up with what is happening on campus. Memorial University uses podcasts to broadcast weekly news updates, public lectures and other audio features. Students, faculty and staff can subscribe to the service or can click the link below to listen to the weekly podcast:
http://www.mun.ca/marcomm/podcasts/
What it is: A podcast is a personal broadcasting tool and means of distributing audio and video programs via the Internet that lets you subscribe to a number of files, also known as "feeds." You can then hear or view the material when you choose. You may listen to them through your web browser, or subscribe to a podcast "feed" via iTunes or other software.
In the classroom: I would utilize podcasting to help students whose learning style is primarily auditory. The technology would help update students on current activities and projects. I would record lectures for students to review, providing more clarity for difficult concepts, and supplement lecture information such as guest lectures and interviews.
Advantages:
• Instructors can design courses with activities that encourage collaboration, communication, and project-based learning.
• Podcast can be easily distributed via the Web and downloaded to computers and personal audio players.
• Podcasts are often syndicated (via RSS) so that users can subscribe (usually for
free) to a particular service and download new content automatically. The software required is available for free or at little cost, making this form of broadcasting accessible.
Limitations:
• There is an initial expense of audio recording equipment. As far as ongoing costs go, if you host your podcasts and they are popular you may find that bandwith can become expensive.
• Podcasting and copyrights are a tricky issue. There are a series of articles you might find useful at: http://www.podcasting-tools.com/
Reference: Hirtz., S. (2010). Education for a Digital World. Advice, Guidelines, and Effective Practice from Around the Globe. Retrieved from:
http://www.colfinder.org/materials/Education_for_a_Digital_World/Education_for_a_Digital_World_part1.pdf
This is a great quote: “Real learning occurs when learners learn by doing and making things.”
The first time I heard the word “podcast” I was transported (teleported?) back in time to my Trekkie days. I was a huge Star Trek fan. The thought of listening to a podcast sounded similar to being beamed up to the Starship Enterprise by Scottie! Captain Kirk and Dr. Spock and the Vulcans could not be far behind.
But I digress.
Podcast comes from iPod and broadcasting, which has managed to cause confusion because an iPod is not needed to listen to podcasts. Regardless the name has stuck. Fans of podcasting say podcasts are a great way to keep up with what is happening on campus. Memorial University uses podcasts to broadcast weekly news updates, public lectures and other audio features. Students, faculty and staff can subscribe to the service or can click the link below to listen to the weekly podcast:
http://www.mun.ca/marcomm/podcasts/
What it is: A podcast is a personal broadcasting tool and means of distributing audio and video programs via the Internet that lets you subscribe to a number of files, also known as "feeds." You can then hear or view the material when you choose. You may listen to them through your web browser, or subscribe to a podcast "feed" via iTunes or other software.
In the classroom: I would utilize podcasting to help students whose learning style is primarily auditory. The technology would help update students on current activities and projects. I would record lectures for students to review, providing more clarity for difficult concepts, and supplement lecture information such as guest lectures and interviews.
Advantages:
• Instructors can design courses with activities that encourage collaboration, communication, and project-based learning.
• Podcast can be easily distributed via the Web and downloaded to computers and personal audio players.
• Podcasts are often syndicated (via RSS) so that users can subscribe (usually for
free) to a particular service and download new content automatically. The software required is available for free or at little cost, making this form of broadcasting accessible.
Limitations:
• There is an initial expense of audio recording equipment. As far as ongoing costs go, if you host your podcasts and they are popular you may find that bandwith can become expensive.
• Podcasting and copyrights are a tricky issue. There are a series of articles you might find useful at: http://www.podcasting-tools.com/
Reference: Hirtz., S. (2010). Education for a Digital World. Advice, Guidelines, and Effective Practice from Around the Globe. Retrieved from:
http://www.colfinder.org/materials/Education_for_a_Digital_World/Education_for_a_Digital_World_part1.pdf
Skype? Really?
Hi there,
When I first heard about Skype I was skeptical. Free, really? Nothing is free, not even a free lunch, according to Economics 2010! Plus, do I really need to download another program to my laptop? Given that I am not the most technologically-advanced mother on the block the less adventurous I am with my laptop the better we all (especially my IT hubby) like it!
And then a girlfriend told me she uses Skype all the time. Her hubby travels a lot and Skype is one way their children can see their dad in real time. I saw Skype in action and while at first I thought the image was a little creepy it got me thinking...
What it is: Skype is a software application that allows users to make voice calls over the Internet. The technology has also become popular for its additional features which include instant messaging, file transfer, and video conferencing. Calls to other users within the Skype service are free, while calls to both traditional landline telephones and mobile phones can be made for a nominal fee using a debit-based user account system.
In the classroom: I would use Skype to network with other instructors who use the technology, to connect students with experts in the subject being studied and as a presentation tool. I envision Skype being useful for distance education students who are visual learners. Instructors could demonstrate in real time while the student watches, takes notes and learns by seeing and doing.
Advantages:
• Connect students who are learning similar and related content.
• Allow students to see what other students are presenting.
• Give students who are absent a chance to participate.
• Allow teams of students to meet virtually.
• Become the teacher as facilitator.
Limitations:
• Connectivity may be limited in some communities.
• There may be cases of low audio quality.
• There may be cases of low visual quality
Try it:
http://www.skype.com/intl/en-us/home
Reference: Marotta. M. (2010). Technology Professional Development Wiki. Skype in Education. Retrieved from: http://technologypd.pbworks.com/Skype-in-Education
When I first heard about Skype I was skeptical. Free, really? Nothing is free, not even a free lunch, according to Economics 2010! Plus, do I really need to download another program to my laptop? Given that I am not the most technologically-advanced mother on the block the less adventurous I am with my laptop the better we all (especially my IT hubby) like it!
And then a girlfriend told me she uses Skype all the time. Her hubby travels a lot and Skype is one way their children can see their dad in real time. I saw Skype in action and while at first I thought the image was a little creepy it got me thinking...
What it is: Skype is a software application that allows users to make voice calls over the Internet. The technology has also become popular for its additional features which include instant messaging, file transfer, and video conferencing. Calls to other users within the Skype service are free, while calls to both traditional landline telephones and mobile phones can be made for a nominal fee using a debit-based user account system.
In the classroom: I would use Skype to network with other instructors who use the technology, to connect students with experts in the subject being studied and as a presentation tool. I envision Skype being useful for distance education students who are visual learners. Instructors could demonstrate in real time while the student watches, takes notes and learns by seeing and doing.
Advantages:
• Connect students who are learning similar and related content.
• Allow students to see what other students are presenting.
• Give students who are absent a chance to participate.
• Allow teams of students to meet virtually.
• Become the teacher as facilitator.
Limitations:
• Connectivity may be limited in some communities.
• There may be cases of low audio quality.
• There may be cases of low visual quality
Try it:
http://www.skype.com/intl/en-us/home
Reference: Marotta. M. (2010). Technology Professional Development Wiki. Skype in Education. Retrieved from: http://technologypd.pbworks.com/Skype-in-Education
Saturday, June 12, 2010
An Apple A Day Works For Me
Hi there,
On May 9, I awoke to find my 10-year-old daughter, my hubby, two cats (Cinnamon and Sugar) and Daisy, the dog, standing by my bed. It was 8 a.m.
They were clearly excited about something. I realized it was Mother’s Day when my daughter, who is not one for suspenseful present giving, thrust her hand into a gift bag (presumably mine) and extracted a green apple.
Said apple was plugged into something buried deeper in the bag. A little exploration revealed an IPod Touch. At first, I was a little taken aback. I secretly had been hoping for the smaller IPod Shuffle! And then I learned what my new little friend could do!
What it is: The IPod touch is a portable media player and a personal digital assistant produced by Apple Inc. The device fits into the palm of your hand and can be used from everything from downloading music and research to checking on your distance education course.
In the classroom: I would love to teach journalism. The IPod touch would be an asset in helping the class evaluate on-line media publications; view the news of the day from around the world; for research with applications like Google Earth. If, for example, the assignment was to research the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico, students could actually see the spill at:
http://www.livestream.com/wkrg_oil_spill
Advantages:
• Mobile learning for adult learners.
• Accessing digital texts so that students can read wherever they find themselves.
• Connect to the internet, through either WiFi or other means, to express ideas on a blog post or to collaborate with peers.
Limitations:
• Cost could be prohibitative.
• Teaches students to utilize the technology effectively.
• Students may become distracted by the technology.
Watch it on youtube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v6BPuKaLel4
Reference: Learning Interchange, (2009). Ipod touch. Touching students lives in the classroom. Apple Inc. Retrieved from:
http://edcommunity.apple.com/ali/index.php
On May 9, I awoke to find my 10-year-old daughter, my hubby, two cats (Cinnamon and Sugar) and Daisy, the dog, standing by my bed. It was 8 a.m.
They were clearly excited about something. I realized it was Mother’s Day when my daughter, who is not one for suspenseful present giving, thrust her hand into a gift bag (presumably mine) and extracted a green apple.Said apple was plugged into something buried deeper in the bag. A little exploration revealed an IPod Touch. At first, I was a little taken aback. I secretly had been hoping for the smaller IPod Shuffle! And then I learned what my new little friend could do!
What it is: The IPod touch is a portable media player and a personal digital assistant produced by Apple Inc. The device fits into the palm of your hand and can be used from everything from downloading music and research to checking on your distance education course.
In the classroom: I would love to teach journalism. The IPod touch would be an asset in helping the class evaluate on-line media publications; view the news of the day from around the world; for research with applications like Google Earth. If, for example, the assignment was to research the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico, students could actually see the spill at:
http://www.livestream.com/wkrg_oil_spill
Advantages:
• Mobile learning for adult learners.
• Accessing digital texts so that students can read wherever they find themselves.
• Connect to the internet, through either WiFi or other means, to express ideas on a blog post or to collaborate with peers.
Limitations:
• Cost could be prohibitative.
• Teaches students to utilize the technology effectively.
• Students may become distracted by the technology.
Watch it on youtube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v6BPuKaLel4
Reference: Learning Interchange, (2009). Ipod touch. Touching students lives in the classroom. Apple Inc. Retrieved from:
http://edcommunity.apple.com/ali/index.php
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