Thursday, July 23, 2009

Screencast for web 2.0 class

My journey to figure out how to screencast has been hard fought! I have spent 3 days trying to make Jing work. I don't know why, but I was having technical difficulties. I was in contact with Jing support. In the meantime, I tried to use 2 other screencasting tools unsuccessfully. I was just about to give up on screencasting and move to podcasting. Luckily, Jing magically appeared in working order late this evening. I guess you could say that technology doesn't come naturally for me. Once I managed to get Jing working, I had to figure out how to use it. It took me three recordings to figure out how to get the microphone working. Then another 2 to make everything fit together. What I finally previewed looked pretty cool. So, here (Oh how I hope!) is my first attempt at a screencast. http://screencast.com/t/FZQZFb2fLz I am really hoping that this is the correct screencast. I have redone this several times, and I'm hoping that this URL that was on my clipboard is the most recent one. If not, please forgive me. I'll fix it in an updated post! (If this works, I have to say that I do plan to give this assigment to my students the first week of school. I want them to do their own screencasts about their summer vacation. I know that we'll be spending time in the lab figuring out the questions before I send them home with this one. In reality, they probably already know how to do this, or they won't find it difficult!)

Tuesday, July 21, 2009

Top picks of the week (section 4)

Again I am sharing my top picks of the week with my Web 2.0 class.

1. http://larryferlazzo.edublogs.org/2009/05/18/the-best-resources-for-beginning-to-learn-what-twitter-is-all-about/ My first pick is a link to a site that has great tips for starting out with Twitter. I'm thinking about jumping on board, so I thought I'd share this with others who might want to try.

2. http://larryferlazzo.edublogs.org/2007/12/27/the-best-places-to-learn-web-20-basics-2007/ My second pick is a great list of resources to continue learning to apply the Web 2.0 skills that we're learning in our class this summer.

3. http://www.mothering.com/12-ways-to-avoid-toxins-in-packaging My third pick isn't education related, but I found the article very interesting. I've been spending time trying to figure out how I'm going to best package the kids' lunches in the fall. This information was helpful.

4. http://theconnectedclassroom.wikispaces.com/ My last choice IS education related. I found this site contains lots of valuable presentations about using Web 2.0 in the classroom. Enjoy!

Thursday, July 16, 2009

My 3 picks of the week- section 3

I am still taking my Web 2.0 class. Each week I will be blogging my top three finds to share with our class. Here are my 3 picks of the week for section 3. The first is an interesting article about what the author considers the downside of taking the time to give educators training in technology. http://www.dangerouslyirrelevant.org/2009/07/are-our-training-efforts-helping-educators-or-enabling-codependence.html I really feel like my learning style works best with some kind of training before I just try to jump into something new. Take a look at the article to see what you think.
My second pick is an interesting foreign language site that looks like it will be worth investigating. Sra. E., have you seen this before? http://larryferlazzo.edublogs.org/2009/07/08/learn-about-a-zillion-language-blogs/
My final pick is a really great site that offers free apps and websites for teachers. It looks very promising! http://www.soyouwanttoteach.com/25-free-apps-and-websites-for-tech-loving-teachers/

Friday, July 10, 2009

Is technology dumbing us down?...

Today I read the following article for my Web 2.0 class. www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/01/09128092341.htm The premise of the article is that while technology increases visual intelligence, it impedes the development of critical thinking. Patricia Greenfield, the professor who authored the study sites many examples of how multi-tasking with technology in the classroom impedes learning instead of enhancing it. On the one hand I agree with some of her points. For example, she states that "multitasking prevents people from getting a deeper understanding of information." In the study, it was noted that students who were given internet access during class learned far more than students who did not have internet access. While I agree with the initial assertion, the logical question here is: how is that any different from a student who is reading or doing other homework while the teacher is talking? Unfortunately, she then goes on to say that "wiring classrooms for internet access does not enhance learning". When I viewed this article using diigo, the comments were very strongly against the article. Many people were concerned that administrators would take this article out of context and use it to justify cuts in technology spending. I have to admit, the first thoughts that went through my mind were in the same vain. Here was my simple excuse for not having to keep up with all of this new technology. After reading the entire article and browsing other people's opinions about the study, I know that I need to step out of the Dark Ages and jump into this new Read/Write web. I hope you'll join me.

Wednesday, July 8, 2009

Interesting questions for the classroom

Tonight I read a post on Kim G's blog about learning styles and multiple intelligences. She mentioned the book by Dr. Daniel Willingham, Why Don't Students Like School? http://givenk.blogspot.com/2009/07/so-i-guess-everything-ive-been-doing.html I too have spent time trying to consider/incorporate learning styles and multiple intelligences into my classroom. I think that it would be worth my time to take a look at this book that Kim recommends. It seems that there might be more out there that I need to consider when I'm gearing up for a new school year.

Helpful blogs to add to your list...

I just found another great blog to follow. Thanks to Vicky for suggesting it! I think that Free Technology for Teachers will be a great source of information to keep myself motivated next school year. Having this in my reader each day will really keep the web 2.0 information at the front of my brain. Thanks Vicky! http://www.freetech4teachers.com/2009/07/week-in-review-most-popular-items.html

Wisdom for new bloggers

Today I read a great post written by Jen in my Web 2.0 class. She had a great link to a site that helps new bloggers like me avoid the 5 most common mistakes. If you're a new blogger, make sure to check out this link!

http://theedublogger.edublogs.org/2009/06/27/here%e2%80%99s-my-top-five-mistakes-made-by-new-bloggers-%e2%80%94-what-are-yours/

Monday, June 29, 2009

A great resource...

My favorite way to learn more about the TPRS method is to spend time reading the moreTPRS yahoo group list. I always take away a new idea that I can use in the classroom. It has been an excellent place to get all of my questions answered quickly. Blaine Ray and other experts actively participate on the list and are willing to help anyone with questions. If you haven't already taken the time to sign up for this group, be sure to do so soon! It will be a huge help. http://groups.yahoo.com/group/moretprs/

Sunday, June 28, 2009

A journey to Columbus

Last week we traveled to Columbus to attend the Blaine Ray workshop. There were 45 teachers in attendance. Blaine is a wonderful TPRS teacher. He has so much enthusiasm for what he's doing. I only hope that I can convey half of that to my students this coming year. I think I even learned some German during those two days! I'll post more later when there is more time!

A new vision

I started a new journey in my classroom during fourth quarter this year. I am very excited to study and implement a full TPRS program into my Spanish classes next year. The level of enthusiasm and participation I've seen from my students has pushed me to continue on this path. I'm looking forward to a summer of research and preparation for a new year!