So I love wikipedia and find it very handy when I want to look up certain information. Information like traveling to a city; what to eat and where, what to expect, places to see, the usual every day stuff. It provides you with a base to work from.
If I type in anything like "soup" then wikipedia pops up and I can learn a little bit about soup. It is brilliant, fast, and fairly accurate.
Now if I want to take my information and make sure that it is the absolute truth, then it is the same as buying a car. You must have multiple quotes before you buy something major. That way you can compare and make sure that you are buying the correct vehicle at the right price.
I'll continue to use Wikipedia for a lot of things, but realize it is like listening to Fox News or any other 24 hour news broadcast. It may be true, but it is usually just someone's opinion and you should not just believe what you hear, or read.
You must have a verifiable source for people not to doubt the information and Fox News or Wikipedia are just not verifiable sources.
If you read it, hear it, or plan on talking about it then you should make sure that it is true. P.S. Did you hear about the car that was released in England that does 189 mpg and is based on the old lincoln town car model. The car will be sold in the United States as of March 2010 and has a price tag starting at $14,500. At least that's what I heard.
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Randy Pausch's Last Lecture
Randy uses his childhood dreams and goals as a way of explaining the possibilities of what we can accomplish, if we believe and show dedication. He puts a list up at the beginning of goals that most people would see and presume unabtainable. He talks about students wanting to work on the next Star Wars movie years before it is even being considered. The message is clear, let people try to attain their goals. Help them obtain their goals. That's your job!
The common theme that comes up is the brick wall. It shows you that despite setbacks and dead ends you can succeed if you are determined enough. You will fail, you will be told you are a failure, that you can't do it; You have to use that feedback to fuel your desire or you will loose the dreams. Randy is definitely unconventional and that is part of what his classroom was like. The response and enthusiasm he generated not just in his students but in every department throughout the school was amazing. We are entering a profession that gives you the choice to shape many peoples lives.
While we may not all have a chance to go into weightlessness, or to start a virtual reality program known all over the world, we are responsible for helping others. Our jobs as future teachers and parents is to harness the dreams of the children and help them reach for the sky. Showing them, and being shown by them go hand in hand. We are currently looking at blogs all over the world in places like New Zealand where kids are making video casts, radio casts, podcast, blogs, or whatever else. They have one thing in common. Each one is learning, wants to learn and it is fun.
They are not learning to read a book and write their letters in a conventional way, and sometimes boring way, but are learning with another FUN objective in mind. They want to show what they can do on the podcast.
They want to tell the story to people all over the world. Kids that struggle to read and write are actually excited about reading and writing because of this. It also allows them to be creative when so many places are cutting budgets for drama and music and various programs, here is a way to incorporate the arts. They are learning to do something on computers and with technology that many people, including us, never had the chance to do. The amazing thing is that they practice reading, writing, drama, art, creating, interviewing, communicating, or anything else you care to show them again and again at such a young age. They will always know how to do it, and they will only get better and dream of other possibilities. We all have one shot in life, what do you have to loose?
The common theme that comes up is the brick wall. It shows you that despite setbacks and dead ends you can succeed if you are determined enough. You will fail, you will be told you are a failure, that you can't do it; You have to use that feedback to fuel your desire or you will loose the dreams. Randy is definitely unconventional and that is part of what his classroom was like. The response and enthusiasm he generated not just in his students but in every department throughout the school was amazing. We are entering a profession that gives you the choice to shape many peoples lives.
While we may not all have a chance to go into weightlessness, or to start a virtual reality program known all over the world, we are responsible for helping others. Our jobs as future teachers and parents is to harness the dreams of the children and help them reach for the sky. Showing them, and being shown by them go hand in hand. We are currently looking at blogs all over the world in places like New Zealand where kids are making video casts, radio casts, podcast, blogs, or whatever else. They have one thing in common. Each one is learning, wants to learn and it is fun.
They are not learning to read a book and write their letters in a conventional way, and sometimes boring way, but are learning with another FUN objective in mind. They want to show what they can do on the podcast.
They want to tell the story to people all over the world. Kids that struggle to read and write are actually excited about reading and writing because of this. It also allows them to be creative when so many places are cutting budgets for drama and music and various programs, here is a way to incorporate the arts. They are learning to do something on computers and with technology that many people, including us, never had the chance to do. The amazing thing is that they practice reading, writing, drama, art, creating, interviewing, communicating, or anything else you care to show them again and again at such a young age. They will always know how to do it, and they will only get better and dream of other possibilities. We all have one shot in life, what do you have to loose?
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
wordle practice
Sunday, September 20, 2009
It's not about technology
"Teachers must be learners."
"Learning and teaching is not the same."
"Technology is lost without good teaching."
I don't know what else to add to this as it is perfect.
Why give a $5,000 smart board to someone who isn't going to use it? Why use it for as presentation only? With that cash you could have bought 8 mac mini's and a couple of HD Video cameras. 30 classrooms means 240 computers that are state of the art and ready to go out of the box. Hook it up to your existing mouse, keyboard, and monitor and boom you have six computer labs and a mac in every room.
"Learning and teaching is not the same."
"Technology is lost without good teaching."
I don't know what else to add to this as it is perfect.
Why give a $5,000 smart board to someone who isn't going to use it? Why use it for as presentation only? With that cash you could have bought 8 mac mini's and a couple of HD Video cameras. 30 classrooms means 240 computers that are state of the art and ready to go out of the box. Hook it up to your existing mouse, keyboard, and monitor and boom you have six computer labs and a mac in every room.
Fischbowl
That is a very good question. I believe that we should all strive to learn, after all that is what you are teaching your kids to do. I think that technology is a huge advantage and not incorporating it into a class puts you at a disadvantage. However, you have clear precise goals that you are trying to teach each day and each lesson. Are the kids meeting those goals and expectations? If they are great, keep improving. If not, what are you willing to do to improve it? Technology may have the answer.
The "teachers 30 years ago not being able to read or write...." comment is a bit far fetched. After all they did not have much technology 30 years ago and have managed to produce every person that has created a technology improvement, come through the school system with that teacher and style of classroom. I'm not saying you don't improve what you are doing, or embrace technology, but some teachers are better off without it and some teachers are incredible without it. So it depends on the teacher, not the students needs, if they need to be tech literate in many cases.
The "teachers 30 years ago not being able to read or write...." comment is a bit far fetched. After all they did not have much technology 30 years ago and have managed to produce every person that has created a technology improvement, come through the school system with that teacher and style of classroom. I'm not saying you don't improve what you are doing, or embrace technology, but some teachers are better off without it and some teachers are incredible without it. So it depends on the teacher, not the students needs, if they need to be tech literate in many cases.
Dr. Stranges Tech Lit teacher
I hate to say it, but I do not think every teacher should be tech literate. I would love to see those who have a passion for learning and creating embrace technology, but it is not something to be mandated. I think all future teachers should be exposed to it and those in the profession should be allowed to develop tech advances easier. The grant system is crazy for one teacher to try and attempt to improve the class or school on their own.
Teacher training should include how to assignments and instructions for all wanting to apply for grants, make interactive learning, or attend summer class one week intensive training for current teachers. We can't change the past or those stuck in it, all we can do is show how easy and give them the opportunity to embrace the improvements.
How do I get 8 cameras, 8 mac notebooks, 8 microphones, 8 sub teacher expenses for my class, for the music department, the drama, foreign language, science, math, special needs, student room......
Teacher training should include how to assignments and instructions for all wanting to apply for grants, make interactive learning, or attend summer class one week intensive training for current teachers. We can't change the past or those stuck in it, all we can do is show how easy and give them the opportunity to embrace the improvements.
How do I get 8 cameras, 8 mac notebooks, 8 microphones, 8 sub teacher expenses for my class, for the music department, the drama, foreign language, science, math, special needs, student room......
Vision of student's today
First, let me start by saying that I am appalled. I know some of the advantages of technology and wish to embrace it, so I feel ashamed at the clip. Not for the message that was being presented but for the attitudes of the "adults" in college level class rooms. They seem to have everything, computers, phones, all the gadgets and yet bitch that they have no teachers willing to include technology into their teaching. Does that sound grateful?
I am fortunate, to be fulfilling a life long dream, to go to college and earn a degree that the people in the class at University don't give a care for. Don't show up, don't open the book, don't pay attention, do 49% of the readings and they are bored! Maybe because you have been watching TV since you could see or have everything put in front of you, that gives you a right to throw it away. No education is a waste and you should try to get whatever you can from it. Sorry its not interesting to you but you are paying to be there.......
You chose the course of study, the class, and you made the decision to fork over the cash and time (some of you) to do this. Put the phone down, take the lemon and make some lemonade.....that at least is refreshing. Oh and by the way books allow you to imagine and take you to other places and times without having someone else show the "concept" to you. A book fuels creativity and imagination as well as any technology aid could. 8 books a year but 23,000 messages on facebook is not something to be proud of...savvy.
I am fortunate, to be fulfilling a life long dream, to go to college and earn a degree that the people in the class at University don't give a care for. Don't show up, don't open the book, don't pay attention, do 49% of the readings and they are bored! Maybe because you have been watching TV since you could see or have everything put in front of you, that gives you a right to throw it away. No education is a waste and you should try to get whatever you can from it. Sorry its not interesting to you but you are paying to be there.......
You chose the course of study, the class, and you made the decision to fork over the cash and time (some of you) to do this. Put the phone down, take the lemon and make some lemonade.....that at least is refreshing. Oh and by the way books allow you to imagine and take you to other places and times without having someone else show the "concept" to you. A book fuels creativity and imagination as well as any technology aid could. 8 books a year but 23,000 messages on facebook is not something to be proud of...savvy.
Monday, September 14, 2009
The movie
I have no television, I have no cell phone, I am not computer savvy. I bought my computer for $550 in July. I added no software. No hardware. In fact I don't know what the difference is. I am 37 and have rarely used a computer.
I watched "Did you know, 3.0" & then "Mr. Winkle Wakes Up" and it got me thinking. How could I do that? I remember saying, "It's like having an extra teacher that is really interesting in the classroom with you." I had to know if it was possible. So, I spent a few hours looking around, searching online.
This is why I chose to do this specific project:
I was given a group assignment last week in my EDF 315 class that had to involve two main historical events in history from 1950-1974.
Since slideshows and television was first introduced to the classroom in this time period it got me thinking of a theme. After that it was just a matter of several hours of putting together something I thought was appropriate. I know it is not brilliant but I just wanted to put something together that showed the group I was working with some possibilities. It is very easy to edit the clip once you have it formated. After talking to the group we had our presentation done an hour later. Easy and anyone can do it.
Look on the right hand side of my blog under "Important links" and you will see my first movie. Enjoy.
I watched "Did you know, 3.0" & then "Mr. Winkle Wakes Up" and it got me thinking. How could I do that? I remember saying, "It's like having an extra teacher that is really interesting in the classroom with you." I had to know if it was possible. So, I spent a few hours looking around, searching online.
This is why I chose to do this specific project:
I was given a group assignment last week in my EDF 315 class that had to involve two main historical events in history from 1950-1974.
Since slideshows and television was first introduced to the classroom in this time period it got me thinking of a theme. After that it was just a matter of several hours of putting together something I thought was appropriate. I know it is not brilliant but I just wanted to put something together that showed the group I was working with some possibilities. It is very easy to edit the clip once you have it formated. After talking to the group we had our presentation done an hour later. Easy and anyone can do it.
Look on the right hand side of my blog under "Important links" and you will see my first movie. Enjoy.
Monday, September 7, 2009
Tinkernut.com
I just watched a wee step by step instructional podcast that demonstrates how to make a podcast. You can go to Tinkernut.com and it will give you all the information you need. It's free and basically all you need is a ,microphone, and software that you can download for free. It gives links to podcast.com which is a one stop shop for podcasting.
Although the information comes at you very fast and in a non exciting way, you can rewind or pause to ensure you are following the steps correctly. I've tried going to Audacity.com and doing this but have had a wee problem. I will try audio software in a search, which is what they suggested originally. After I try this I will edit my post and let you know how it went.
Although the information comes at you very fast and in a non exciting way, you can rewind or pause to ensure you are following the steps correctly. I've tried going to Audacity.com and doing this but have had a wee problem. I will try audio software in a search, which is what they suggested originally. After I try this I will edit my post and let you know how it went.
Thursday, September 3, 2009
Hello Auckland
I just visited a tremendous site that had young kids using podcasts to read stories and incorporate sound effects. A small team of readers told stories such as Little Red Riding Hood. Adding suspense and drama by creating sound effects that emphasized the plot and kept the listener very entertained. They had many links and various blogs, but are becoming very efficient quickly. Kids are really enthusiastic and take the production and reading very seriously. They are obviously exposed to a wealth of knowledge and are able to be as creative as they can be. Combine Drama, English, Computers, and add a sense of team work builds personnel confidence. Desire, Exposure, Creativity, and Confidence what more could you want for your kids?
Here is some information from the school they attend, taken directly from the school website:
The school's computer suite has 33 Apple Mac computers all networked to a server. Classes have timetabled lessons in the computer suite. Groups of children also have supervised access to the internet. A data projector allows teachers to facilitate teaching and learning in the suite. Programmes such as Appleworks, Kid Pix 3, iPhoto, iMovie, Keynote, Pages are used in lessons from Year 1 to Year 8. All staff on site as well as students and parents must sign an agreement before access to the internet is allowed.
INTERMEDIATE TECHNOLOGY
Our intermediate students (Years 7 & 8) have specialist technology lessons in:
- food technology
- biotechnology
- structures and mechanisms
- electronics and control
- production and process
- materials technology
- information and communication technology
Costs are subsidised by the Ministry of Education, but children need to pay for materials. Projects children make are very worthwhile.
Here is some information from the school they attend, taken directly from the school website:
The school's computer suite has 33 Apple Mac computers all networked to a server. Classes have timetabled lessons in the computer suite. Groups of children also have supervised access to the internet. A data projector allows teachers to facilitate teaching and learning in the suite. Programmes such as Appleworks, Kid Pix 3, iPhoto, iMovie, Keynote, Pages are used in lessons from Year 1 to Year 8. All staff on site as well as students and parents must sign an agreement before access to the internet is allowed.
INTERMEDIATE TECHNOLOGY
Our intermediate students (Years 7 & 8) have specialist technology lessons in:
- food technology
- biotechnology
- structures and mechanisms
- electronics and control
- production and process
- materials technology
- information and communication technology
Costs are subsidised by the Ministry of Education, but children need to pay for materials. Projects children make are very worthwhile.
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
I want to make a movie but I only have a video camera and a computer, Can anyone help?
So I am really wanting to make a small animated clip, or add animation to a video that I have. I have a video camera and can format the disk to play as a DVD and such. I have a mac mini but little in the way of software. I know I could download a bunch of stuff that I have found so far that might help, but I don't want to download a bunch of stuff if I don't have to.
So any suggestions?
I loved Mr. Winkle and wondered if anyone knew how to go about this type of thing.
Thanks,
Jim
So any suggestions?
I loved Mr. Winkle and wondered if anyone knew how to go about this type of thing.
Thanks,
Jim
Class Podcast
Well I watched the class podcast and learned a great deal about it. First, It is a very nerve racking thing to do so please forgive my comments.
The assignment asks "How we could improve it" not me.
The first thing I would recommend is the set up or positioning of the people and camera. I would suggest: All on the long side of the table with the camera facing each persons face. It is a visual learning experience and people facing the camera more might help. The sound and visuals are what we are paying attention to.
Second, I would probably try to find out what was to be asked before hand and revise or do a run through. The idea of a improve is great, but it is designed to be informative (that should be as clear as crystal.) Although the improve brought up very good points, I bet there was one or two the panel wished they had added afterwards.
Lastly, each person knows who they are and what they have done/doing with there lives. Yet at the very start when asked to introduce themselves, they all looked at the paper or desk and not the audience.
On the flip side......
The suggestions the panel gave regarding knowing something well, and doing something well one thing at a time is great, and possibly the only, way to go with restrictions on time and budget. Technology can be extremely overwhelming and with a busy work life, social life, family life, it is extremely difficult to devote a lot of time to Blogging, Tweeting, Skyping, Networking, Podcasting, especially when you have to maintain a face as gorgeous as mine. War Eagle.
The assignment asks "How we could improve it" not me.
The first thing I would recommend is the set up or positioning of the people and camera. I would suggest: All on the long side of the table with the camera facing each persons face. It is a visual learning experience and people facing the camera more might help. The sound and visuals are what we are paying attention to.
Second, I would probably try to find out what was to be asked before hand and revise or do a run through. The idea of a improve is great, but it is designed to be informative (that should be as clear as crystal.) Although the improve brought up very good points, I bet there was one or two the panel wished they had added afterwards.
Lastly, each person knows who they are and what they have done/doing with there lives. Yet at the very start when asked to introduce themselves, they all looked at the paper or desk and not the audience.
On the flip side......
The suggestions the panel gave regarding knowing something well, and doing something well one thing at a time is great, and possibly the only, way to go with restrictions on time and budget. Technology can be extremely overwhelming and with a busy work life, social life, family life, it is extremely difficult to devote a lot of time to Blogging, Tweeting, Skyping, Networking, Podcasting, especially when you have to maintain a face as gorgeous as mine. War Eagle.
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
MacWeekly
So I now know what to listen to if I can't fall asleep or think my life sucks. Seriously, I have enjoyed every little thing that I have seen or learned until now. I'm trying to stay positive so I don't think I'll comment on this as it is just not my cup of tea. Over the top talk about technology that I have no clue about or know anything about. At this moment it is out of my league.
I did find a useful link to a video on mac animation (on the page that highlights podcasts that they subscribe to) and am currently downloading it. Hopefully I'll find everything I need to make an animated movie....at least that's what she said. I mean that's what they say.
I did find a useful link to a video on mac animation (on the page that highlights podcasts that they subscribe to) and am currently downloading it. Hopefully I'll find everything I need to make an animated movie....at least that's what she said. I mean that's what they say.
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