Journal Post 9

Focus question: How can teachers integrate podcasts and vodcasts into their teaching?

            To begin with Podcast is a term that comes from the words iPod and broadcast. Podcasts are audio recordings that are distributed online and accessible by the use of computers or portable media players. Some of this recordings include videos as well, in which case they are referred to as vodcasts.  The most common way to access podcasts and vodcasts are through iPods, which have been used by students for a long time, mainly for their own entertainment, to listen to their favorite music, and watch their favorite videos and shows. Now there is a whole new way of using iPods, the educational way. Students can use iPods to record lectures in class, as well as review and study lectures outside of class. IPods however, are not the only way to access podcast and vodcasts, any internet-accessible computer can be used for this. Teachers can use these tools to get the students attention, and use a different approach in teaching, which tends to excite the students. Teachers can record their own podcast and post them online for the students to access and review. They may also give research assignment where students can gather information from podcasts and vodcasts from news organizers such as PBS and New York Times. In conclusion, these two tools are easily accessible, and there are many ways in which a teacher can integrate them into the classroom.

                                                          Photo Credit to Oliver Lavely

Tech Tool:  Digital art making- NGA Kids: The art zone

            This tech tool is sponsored by The National Gallery of Art. It is an interactive site for young artist. Kids are able to access this site and create their own projects. In their art pieces they are able to use different colors, texture, and scale features. As you enter this site you are able to see the artwork created by the kids to use this site. Then you are able to choose which type of project you’d like to work on. Under the pictures there is a description explaining what each art project is about. The website has a black background but the letters are colorful and fun, which makes it artistic and kid-friendly.

Summary: Chapter 9

This chapter is titled “Creating and Sharing Information with Multimedia Technologies.” It begins by explaining multimedia technology and the ways it can be used teachers to share and create information. It then discusses PowerPoint and effective ways to use it, and make it an educational yet fun experience for the students. It discusses ways in which PowerPoint it criticized, such as for over-summarizing complex material. It is stressed that teachers who use PowerPoint, use it involving active participation as well as acknowledging the audience and what information is crucial that they remember. Using videos in teaching can be a similar experience to PowerPoint, in that it is also helpful to use interaction during or at least after the video, in order to be assured that the students are capturing the crucial information. Later, movie making is discussed. This is a fun activity and it is also very interactive for the students. Lastly, podcasts and vodcasts are discussed. These are audio and video recordings found online. Which are commonly accessed through iPods or computers. Students may choose to record classroom lectures, do research, or study using these tools. 

                                                         Photo Credit to Paul Hudson

Journal Post 8

Focus question: How can teachers use email or instant messaging to foster information exchanges with and among students?

Email and instant messaging facilitates communication outside of the classroom in a big way. It is important however, that teachers follow certain guidelines when using these tools. For example using a password-protected student communication system to email and Instant message. This will restrict who can access your communication, and also protect you and your students from viruses, spam, predatory individuals, and political extremist. Teacher can establish email connections to libraries, museums and universities. This is helpful, because a teacher can ask for information on a particular subject and also use it in their lesson planning. Teachers and student can initiate email correspondence with elected officials and other public policy makers. Having this type of email connections, teachers and even students can make their voices heard if they ever have a request or opinion to share. Teacher may also hold online office hours, when they respond to any questions a student may have. This is great for students, because when they are home they don’t have their teacher available to share any questions or concerns, but with email or instant message, they can ask a teacher or fellow classmates for guidance.

                                                     Photo credit to Br3nda

Tech tool: www.blogger.com

            Blogger is a great tool for both teachers and students. To use blogger you need to create an account. You can then choose the layout of your choice. A title may be added. Once these steps and complete you can begin your blog. Information can be added, and also re-edited if necessary. Blogger allows you to embed pictures and videos into your blog. Teachers can have their own blog, with information, or guidelines to an assignment. Another way to use blogger as an educator is to have students make their own bog and update information, such as journal posts.

Summary: Chapter 8

            This chapter is about communicating and networking with websites, blogs, wikis, and more. The chapter begins with some ways in which a teacher can use the technology to communicate with students. Some of these include social networks, blogs, wiki pages, emails, and instant messaging. It is a great tool for teacher to post information or guidelines for assignment online, this is a place where students can go when they are not in class to find information. Most students have 24 hour access to this information, and it is impossible for them to lose the information since it is online.  Wikis can be used as collaborative learning tools, where both the teacher and students can add information. Other great aspects of technology for teachers are emails. This chapter pushes that teachers should address safety issues to protect both his or herself, and the student. 

                                                            Photo credit to Peter Harrison

Journal Post 7

Focus question: What are intelligent tutoring systems and how can students and teachers use them successfully?

Intelligent tutoring systems are powerful software programs that promote inquiry learning by students through computer responses to the student actions. These systems are useful because as the students answer questions, the computer records their responses and makes predictions about what the users know and do not know. Based on these predictions, the computer will use questions based on what the students need practice on. This brings a total different feel towards computer systems as tutoring, now they can be perceived as individualized an set up to mold each students needs. These intelligent tutoring systems should in no way replace the teacher. Students should still feel welcome to go to their teacher for any concerns.

                                                            Photo credit to Prime Education

Tech Tool: Scratch

Scratch is a website in which students can make their own games, animated stories, and interactive art. A website such as scratch allows students to use their creativity and watch their thoughts come to live. The homepage of the site offers you to view examples, try it out, or sign up. It is free to sign up. The website is animated which makes it seem like it is a website for younger kids. There is also a section for parent and educators to learn about scratch and ways to use it in a science, math, or any other lessons, as ways to integrate it into different grade levels.  

                                                   Photo credit to Kansas Snap Shot day

Summary: Chapter 7

This chapter contains basic and useful information such as information on software’s. It discusses some commonly used software by educators and students such as, words processing, spreadsheets, presentation, and antivirus software.  The chapter also discusses ways in which educators can evaluate software. Most software used by educators is purchased by a school and installed into all the computers. Games and simulations are also a big part of this chapter. I think this is an important part of using technology in schools, especially for students. Students love computer games and simulations. This is a way to capture the student’s attention and also make a fun activity an educational one. Lastly it discusses intelligent tutoring, which is an individualized approach to using computer programs for tutoring. The system makes educated guesses on what time of questions the student should practice, based on prior responses.