Looking back at the topics covered during this course, I find that I definitely have preferences for specific weeks and topics covered. When I began this class my knowledge about web 2.0 was limited, or shall I say nonexistent? I did not even know what web 2.0 meant! So now, at the end of the course, I am truly amazed at what is out there and fully aware that I have only just scratched the surface of what all these technologies can do. In fact, I’m a little afraid that because I do not have the opportunity to use them on a regular basis, I will lose my learning! I don’t want that to happen.
My least favorite week involved the social networking because I struggled, and still struggle, with its application in the classroom. I do not really want to have a social network available to students because I am concerned with the ways it can be misused and have trouble seeing its benefits in my classroom. I also struggled with thinking of ways to use a wiki when a blog seemed to do much the same thing, but since the class has progressed, I think that a class wiki for different projects would be great, and I want to use a wiki in my classroom.
Photosharing and YouTube were interesting. Again, I’m not sure how to use photosharing with a class in terms of them placing photos on the web, and I have similar reservations about YouTube. However, YouTube does have great clips and interesting videos to share, but because there is so much questionable material, I would want to make sure that I pulled specific video from the site to use in the classroom. I think that TeacherTube is a far more valuable resource to me professionally.
Podcasting. Wow! The things I did not know about it before I began and the appreciation I have for it after last week’s assignment has caused me to completely reverse my thinking. I can see so many uses for Podcasting. I would love to be able to read pieces, or download pieces of literature, poetry, and drama for students to listen to, especially students who are absent or who are slow learners. Having the ability to review material on their own via an iPod, MP3, or computer is extremely valuable. I really want to use this in class soon.
Finally, my favorite thing—Jing! I can see so many immediate uses for this program that my head is spinning. At the moment because of the restraints of our school and its technology (and the sites it blocks) using Jing from school would not work. But, it could be supplemental material for students who have access to computers. I have already created a Jing about using citationmachine.net, which would be a great thing for students to have at their fingertips next quarter when we do research. I know Annie O’Connor created a Jing about MLA formatting for school papers. I could create one that shows students step by step how to write an in-text parenthetical citation. I could also use it to show students how to write a thesis statement, grammar exercises, the Six Traits of Writing…the possibilities just seem endless. While I am still having difficulty uploading this program, I want to figure it out very soon so that I can use it with students.
There were times during this class that I really thought I would not be able to figure out how to use all of this technology, but I am truly glad that I made it to the end. Thank you for your patience and all your help. I would recommend this class to anyone who asks what is good to take at Yavapai College!
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Jing...My Favorite Thing!
Here is a Jing to a really cool website that helps create a works cited page.
2009-10-30_1655
2009-10-30_1655
Clips to introduce Novels
Lord of the Flies
To Kill a Mockingbird
I would use something like this in class to introduce novels that we read.
Teaching Philosophy: A Little Bit Revised
As a new teacher, my educational philosophy was vague. I believed that teachers were visionaries and facilitators and students were eager learners who would actively pursue knowledge based on desire, and if not that, then my enthusiasm and dazzling personality. I was wrong, and since returning from South Korea two years ago, my philosophy has changed. I now believe that students need to learn how to be resourceful, learn how to find answers that cannot be found in textbooks, learn to become independent thinkers, and finally, learn how to work. So, my educational philosophy is a work in progress.
Resourcefulness is a trait that seems to be lacking in today’s American student. Too often students rely on the teacher to point out the answer on a specific page, or if the information is not in bold print, then students stop looking for it. They cannot seem to think of alternative ways to find information. The ability to seek answers and gain knowledge are qualities students will always need to have and will remain a necessary component of a well-educated person despite our access to technology or lack thereof.
Thinking independently is another quality students must develop if they are ever to compete in a global market. Many of today’s students will be working in fields that may not currently exist. If they do not learn to think for themselves in a creative way, where will our next innovators come from? If we want the future generations to be able to find alternative fuel sources, be problem solvers and budget balancers, then they must learn to think of questions and answers that are not currently in textbooks or created and answered by a teacher.
Finally, students must develop a work ethic. The most striking difference between the American student and students I saw overseas is the ability to work until the job is done. Korean students are relentless workers. They are also interested in how to improve and constantly seek to increase the quality of their work. My students here resent having to work hard and most see little value in working to improve; they are working to just get it done. This is a deadly attitude. I think that the apathy toward learning is actually the greatest risk to students today. The ability to work hard, even when the task is not entertaining, has application and value that extends far beyond the classroom. Somehow a willingness to work needs to be revived within students.
Resourceful, independent thinking and hard working students do exist in my classes. My challenge is to shape more of them into that mold. And after completing this class and trying to come to grips with my own educational journey, I am more convinced than ever that students really need to be resourceful and willing to work to learn. I have had to put myself to the test in these very areas and am glad that I have taken the time to begin to learn how to use these technological advances both personally and in the classroom. Thanks for the class!
Resourcefulness is a trait that seems to be lacking in today’s American student. Too often students rely on the teacher to point out the answer on a specific page, or if the information is not in bold print, then students stop looking for it. They cannot seem to think of alternative ways to find information. The ability to seek answers and gain knowledge are qualities students will always need to have and will remain a necessary component of a well-educated person despite our access to technology or lack thereof.
Thinking independently is another quality students must develop if they are ever to compete in a global market. Many of today’s students will be working in fields that may not currently exist. If they do not learn to think for themselves in a creative way, where will our next innovators come from? If we want the future generations to be able to find alternative fuel sources, be problem solvers and budget balancers, then they must learn to think of questions and answers that are not currently in textbooks or created and answered by a teacher.
Finally, students must develop a work ethic. The most striking difference between the American student and students I saw overseas is the ability to work until the job is done. Korean students are relentless workers. They are also interested in how to improve and constantly seek to increase the quality of their work. My students here resent having to work hard and most see little value in working to improve; they are working to just get it done. This is a deadly attitude. I think that the apathy toward learning is actually the greatest risk to students today. The ability to work hard, even when the task is not entertaining, has application and value that extends far beyond the classroom. Somehow a willingness to work needs to be revived within students.
Resourceful, independent thinking and hard working students do exist in my classes. My challenge is to shape more of them into that mold. And after completing this class and trying to come to grips with my own educational journey, I am more convinced than ever that students really need to be resourceful and willing to work to learn. I have had to put myself to the test in these very areas and am glad that I have taken the time to begin to learn how to use these technological advances both personally and in the classroom. Thanks for the class!
Monday, November 2, 2009
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