In my case, I think of a learning community as those students and teachers on my elementary campus. I see podcasts as a great way to make presentations to our students. Book reviews would be a great way to utilize podcasts. However, in order to get to the students, I have to get through the teachers. Many times the teachers have no interest at all in utilizing technology in their classrooms.
As I mentioned last week, our campus is preparing for "Read Across America Week." I have prepared a short announcement for each day this week discussing Dr. Seuss' life and highlights of his literary career. I have already had a couple of teachers comment that I should keep it short, as we already have enough announcements in the morning.
Next year, I would like to make or locate podcasts that teachers could show to their students when it is convenient for them to do so. Podcasts would certainly be more engaging for the students than just listening to an announcement over the intercom system, and more convenient for teachers because they could fit it into their schedule when it is most convenient for them.
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Sunday, February 21, 2010
Week 5, Reflective Blog
I must admit that I wasn't that enthused about Wikis when I began this week's assignment, but after going through this weeks activities, I can certainly see their value.
I set up a Wiki for my campus. We are currently working on Read Across America activities for the week of March 1-5, and this will make an excellent way to coordinate all our activities. After having spent the last week on the phone, and firing emails back and forth concerning our planned activities, I think a Wiki will be a very effective way to organize our materials, gather information and sources, and even delegate responsibilities.
I see great advantages to using Wikis; information is in one central place where all involved parties can utilize and manage it. However, I must admit the thought of certain teachers accidentally deleting all our information has crossed my mind. In the beginning, at least, I will probably only invite certain teachers to contribute.
I also enjoyed the eLearning Tools Wiki. I really think the animation would be something that I could use. I have also created a couple of projects using Animoto, and I REALLY enjoyed that.
I set up a Wiki for my campus. We are currently working on Read Across America activities for the week of March 1-5, and this will make an excellent way to coordinate all our activities. After having spent the last week on the phone, and firing emails back and forth concerning our planned activities, I think a Wiki will be a very effective way to organize our materials, gather information and sources, and even delegate responsibilities.
I see great advantages to using Wikis; information is in one central place where all involved parties can utilize and manage it. However, I must admit the thought of certain teachers accidentally deleting all our information has crossed my mind. In the beginning, at least, I will probably only invite certain teachers to contribute.
I also enjoyed the eLearning Tools Wiki. I really think the animation would be something that I could use. I have also created a couple of projects using Animoto, and I REALLY enjoyed that.
Sunday, February 14, 2010
Week 4, Reflective Blog
This week's technology project, setting up an electronic portfolio, has been a challenge for me. Usually, I go through things like that pretty quickly, but for some reason, this assignment proved to be a challenge for me. I did finally get it set up, and managed to attach my blog address, but it certainly doesn't look like I would like it to. Fortunately, it's not due for a while, so I'll have some time to get it whipped into shape. I do think it is an excellent way to collect/demonstrate my skills and projects that I have mastered.
As for the ten principles of Assessment for Learning, I chose to focus on the sixth one, "AFL should take account of the importance of (and foster) learner motivation. I found an excellent article titled, "All Work and No Play Reconsidered: The Use of Games to Promote Motivation and Engagement in Instruction." The author, Stephen Gareau, made a great argument that while some educators see educational technology as merely "toys," the fact is that educational technology addresses many more learner intelligences than traditional instruction.
Tying these two topics togeher, electronic portfolios and learner motivation, has certainly taken place this week. I find myself already thinking of things that I could do to make my portfolio look, and work, better...partially because I am competitive and want my portfolio to look good, but also because it's fun!
As for the ten principles of Assessment for Learning, I chose to focus on the sixth one, "AFL should take account of the importance of (and foster) learner motivation. I found an excellent article titled, "All Work and No Play Reconsidered: The Use of Games to Promote Motivation and Engagement in Instruction." The author, Stephen Gareau, made a great argument that while some educators see educational technology as merely "toys," the fact is that educational technology addresses many more learner intelligences than traditional instruction.
Tying these two topics togeher, electronic portfolios and learner motivation, has certainly taken place this week. I find myself already thinking of things that I could do to make my portfolio look, and work, better...partially because I am competitive and want my portfolio to look good, but also because it's fun!
Sunday, February 7, 2010
Week 3, Reflective Blog
I must admit that I am a creature of habit; whenever I'm searching for information, I go to the first few results that pop up. They're quick, they're easy, and they are the first ones, so they must be right, right? However, after completing this week's MAPping activity, I will look closer at the sites that I am getting information from. I have also already shown my two oldest daughters this activity as well. It seems they are constantly having to look up information on the internet; maybe this will help them find the most reliable information available.
As for my Delicious account, I have had that for almost a year now, and I find it very helpful. With five of us using our home computer, it is a nice place to bookmark sites, articles, etc., that is A PLACE OF MY OWN. I don't have to scan through the NUMEROUS sites we have in "My Favorites" on our computer; I just go there and look at my personal stuff. And somehow, it gives me peace of mind knowing that no one else is going to touch it. Except now, I have networked with Dr. W....hmmm, sort of shoots a hole in the "PLACE OF MY OWN" theory, but it is nice to network. In fact, I've already picked up a tidbit on adding video/music to my blogs. Maybe I'll use that in the near future...who knows?
As for my Delicious account, I have had that for almost a year now, and I find it very helpful. With five of us using our home computer, it is a nice place to bookmark sites, articles, etc., that is A PLACE OF MY OWN. I don't have to scan through the NUMEROUS sites we have in "My Favorites" on our computer; I just go there and look at my personal stuff. And somehow, it gives me peace of mind knowing that no one else is going to touch it. Except now, I have networked with Dr. W....hmmm, sort of shoots a hole in the "PLACE OF MY OWN" theory, but it is nice to network. In fact, I've already picked up a tidbit on adding video/music to my blogs. Maybe I'll use that in the near future...who knows?
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