When growing up and being exposed to the world of technology it isn't a matter of if you are interested but how far gone you have become. You see, there's no escaping the influence and the use of it. Regardless your feelings on the matter, it is here, and as the years pass, ever increasing in its presence. So what do you do to smoothly ride along these new waves of tech? You get educated and you get acquinted.
I'd never considered myself to be one who was absent of all technological understanding. I certainly don't live under a rock. But if there was a way to measure how much a person could know about the entire ocean of technology, I'd say I knew about 2 tub fulls. Yea, not that much. How would I know this you ask. Well when you've been introduced (within 5 short weeks, I might add) to things you never knew existed, you revaluate your previous ideas.
This course has been frustrating at times, yes, but the end gain has been without a doubt immeasurable. Who would have believed I'd be familiar with words like Wiki, PhotoStory, or Ning?? Certainly not me. But can I now edit and post on a Wiki? Create and display my own PhotoStory? Search for and establish book clubs on Ning? To those questions, it would be a resounding YES! Pretty cool, huh?
And before you ask, no, there's no way I would have naturally come across any of it outside of this IT course. Each class period we would explore something new and strenghten our very weak skills throughout the 2 and a half hour chunk of our lives.
However, as I have mentioned before, this wasn't an easy walk through the park. Sure some of the material, like blogs and podcasts, was nothing new to me, but the things that were not were frustrating at best. Even though it was exciting to learn about things of the technological world that were foreign to me, the format in which learning them was, perhaps, a bit overwhelming. We would be given something new to learn, given a few details about it, and then prompted to apply that newly acquired knowledge. There were moments when my face was plastered with a blank stare as I hoped for some wires to connect and understanding to prevail triumphantly. But unfortunately, sometimes I just had to ask.
But do not misinterpret this news with any lack of good feelings about the course. I certainly did enjoy it; that is clearly explained above. There aren't many horrible things you can say about something that has actually taught you applicable information to your life and future occupation. I would say that this is a package deal I would gladly take again.
So on this final farewell I leave with new perspectives, a hopeful heart, and a few tools ready for use. In sum: not bad. Not bad at all.
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Monday, September 28, 2009
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Ning? Wait, what?
What? is indeed the right question. When first learning of Ning I was lost; TOTALLY absent of any recognition. None, zip, nada. It isn't even a word or phrase or at least a formally implemented term of popular culture like "bling-bling" that is familiar . . . nope, it is odd. Ning's newness (shall I use the term newness?, I think it's appropriate) led me to be slightly prejudice to its potential awesomeness. Because, of course, something new cannot be certifiably awesome without the chance to verify it. Right?
When you preview the sight, your first thoughts are, "Nope, not doing it. There's no way I'm gunna sign up for one more thing. This doesn't even look that cool!" And until I had checked it out, I too had thought that very thing. I mean, honestly, how many various sites does one person need to belong too? However, and I'm sure this will not warrant any degree of shock, my love of books opened the doors to its possibilities. As I began to click a little here, and click a little there, I found out that there are sites for book lovers just like me! ::GASP:: How fantastic! I could chat up my favorite books and preemptively warn those about far from great ones all with the click of a mouse. In essence, it's like a virtual book club. Yes, I know, I am a dork! But if you ask me, and I don't think you have but I'll just ask myself, I'd say this Ning thing (where did they get that name from anyways?) is going to catch on fast.
Or, at least, they'll be able to add another member to their list.
So you see, I'm gettin' the hang of this technology thing. I might even be loving it a little! Who'd a thought.
When you preview the sight, your first thoughts are, "Nope, not doing it. There's no way I'm gunna sign up for one more thing. This doesn't even look that cool!" And until I had checked it out, I too had thought that very thing. I mean, honestly, how many various sites does one person need to belong too? However, and I'm sure this will not warrant any degree of shock, my love of books opened the doors to its possibilities. As I began to click a little here, and click a little there, I found out that there are sites for book lovers just like me! ::GASP:: How fantastic! I could chat up my favorite books and preemptively warn those about far from great ones all with the click of a mouse. In essence, it's like a virtual book club. Yes, I know, I am a dork! But if you ask me, and I don't think you have but I'll just ask myself, I'd say this Ning thing (where did they get that name from anyways?) is going to catch on fast.
Or, at least, they'll be able to add another member to their list.
So you see, I'm gettin' the hang of this technology thing. I might even be loving it a little! Who'd a thought.
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
PhotoStory is Uber Cool!
If you know anything about me, or in some cases, passed me on the sidewalk while I clumsily walk with my face buried in a book, you'd know at least one thing. What would that one thing be you ask? Well, I'd assume that was obvious, but for those of you who are still searching in the dark I'll tell you . . . I like books. No! Change that, I LOVE books. In fact, I don't think I've gone past 24 hours without reading one. I'm sure you're asking yourself how this has anything to do with Computers & Such, but I assure you, I have a point.
I'm sure you've read my other blog posts and have concluded that I am a slight skeptic in regards to certain aspects of technology. But I wouldn't necessarily agree with that assessment. It isn't that I'm a skeptic, I just have reservations with what is exposed or how technology is used. However, one thing I am not a skeptic of, but am 100%, full-on, without a doubt a supporter of is books. So when I'm introduced to aspects of technology that perpetuate or exploit the art of literature (accept for the Kindle. I do not like the Kindle) I'm on board.
I'm sure you're on the edge of your seats, palms sweating with anticipation, and eagerly waiting for my reveal of what this technology is, so I won't hold you in suspense any longer . . . drum roll please . . . PHOTOSTORY!!
I have yet to create my own, BUT I have been able to doodle here and there with a few sample pictures and let me tell you, it definitely had a wow-factor. It wasn't simply a slideshow of images or a PowerPoint with somewhat fascinating transitions. But there is text, narration, a soundtrack (yes, a soundtrack!), and far greater technological capabilities than I'm used to. In one word, it is amazing. It's like having a picture book with moving images. A book with a voice. And of course, a book with musical accompaniments. For those of us who consider ourselves to be a lover of literature or writing, it is a tool that has its serious possibilities.
Not only can PhotoStory be used in leisure for our own viewing pleasure, but it can be incorporated into the classroom to bring life to content areas such as math, social studies, science, language arts, and more. With whatever topic being covered, a teacher can modify, create, and differentiate instruction through the production and use of one of these stories. Oh, but that's not all! Students can then place their ideas, imagination, thoughts, and stories onto an impressive final product. For those students who may not have the most comfortable disposition in front of an audience, as Sandy pointed out, their unheard voices are given an outlet. Talk about involving technology into the classroom! Thus far, I think this is my favorite thing we've learned.
But, falling back into reality, let's just hope my enthusiasm manifests itself into great technological skills and ability while creating my own!
I'm sure you've read my other blog posts and have concluded that I am a slight skeptic in regards to certain aspects of technology. But I wouldn't necessarily agree with that assessment. It isn't that I'm a skeptic, I just have reservations with what is exposed or how technology is used. However, one thing I am not a skeptic of, but am 100%, full-on, without a doubt a supporter of is books. So when I'm introduced to aspects of technology that perpetuate or exploit the art of literature (accept for the Kindle. I do not like the Kindle) I'm on board.
I'm sure you're on the edge of your seats, palms sweating with anticipation, and eagerly waiting for my reveal of what this technology is, so I won't hold you in suspense any longer . . . drum roll please . . . PHOTOSTORY!!
I have yet to create my own, BUT I have been able to doodle here and there with a few sample pictures and let me tell you, it definitely had a wow-factor. It wasn't simply a slideshow of images or a PowerPoint with somewhat fascinating transitions. But there is text, narration, a soundtrack (yes, a soundtrack!), and far greater technological capabilities than I'm used to. In one word, it is amazing. It's like having a picture book with moving images. A book with a voice. And of course, a book with musical accompaniments. For those of us who consider ourselves to be a lover of literature or writing, it is a tool that has its serious possibilities.
Not only can PhotoStory be used in leisure for our own viewing pleasure, but it can be incorporated into the classroom to bring life to content areas such as math, social studies, science, language arts, and more. With whatever topic being covered, a teacher can modify, create, and differentiate instruction through the production and use of one of these stories. Oh, but that's not all! Students can then place their ideas, imagination, thoughts, and stories onto an impressive final product. For those students who may not have the most comfortable disposition in front of an audience, as Sandy pointed out, their unheard voices are given an outlet. Talk about involving technology into the classroom! Thus far, I think this is my favorite thing we've learned.
But, falling back into reality, let's just hope my enthusiasm manifests itself into great technological skills and ability while creating my own!
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
I want to be technologically awesome!
How awesome would it be if I could do everything? Ok ok, I know I can't do EVERYTHING, but pertaining to technology, yes, I would love too! Click on this link real fast before reading further so you can get a dose of what exactly I'm talking about: http://mrboyersclass.pbworks.com/.
Mr. Boyer's Classroom Wiki is beyond anything I thought possible with the click of a mouse. It isn't just a website. It isn't just a blog. It is, as the Professor pointed out, "The Cadillac of Wikis". And I would most certainly have to agree! The amount of effort that has to be put into something like this shows an amazing amount of dedication that I'm afraid my lack of patience would quickly eclipse. But being able to see a truly impressive way of molding and shaping technology to showcase your classroom is outstanding. You get a glimpse of the out-of-the-box projects he has his students do, lessons that can be shared with teachers around the world, and useful applications where students can present and display their work and activities. Honestly, can there BE anything bad about that??? Uhhhh, I think not.
After viewing this wiki, it doesn't take much for you to want to have one of your own. At first, I will admit, I was skeptical at best with the whole idea of using a public forum such as a wiki or blog to display this sort of information. But once again I have been proven wrong, or at least, persuaded to the other side . . . a little bit.
Mr. Boyer's Classroom Wiki is beyond anything I thought possible with the click of a mouse. It isn't just a website. It isn't just a blog. It is, as the Professor pointed out, "The Cadillac of Wikis". And I would most certainly have to agree! The amount of effort that has to be put into something like this shows an amazing amount of dedication that I'm afraid my lack of patience would quickly eclipse. But being able to see a truly impressive way of molding and shaping technology to showcase your classroom is outstanding. You get a glimpse of the out-of-the-box projects he has his students do, lessons that can be shared with teachers around the world, and useful applications where students can present and display their work and activities. Honestly, can there BE anything bad about that??? Uhhhh, I think not.
After viewing this wiki, it doesn't take much for you to want to have one of your own. At first, I will admit, I was skeptical at best with the whole idea of using a public forum such as a wiki or blog to display this sort of information. But once again I have been proven wrong, or at least, persuaded to the other side . . . a little bit.
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Teachers and Principals Take to Blogging
So the first day of my official IT class has come to its conclusion. My reaction? I'm going to learn a lot. Perhaps even more then my little brain can handle. There is so much to the world of technology that I don't even think it is going to be possible to stuff it into five weeks; but I'm interested to see what happens. In response to the first day I would say the most interesting aspect to Tuesday's class was the blogs used my principals and teachers all over the internet. Yes, that's right, I said TEACHERS and PRINCIPALS!!
With the strong force that tech has in today's society, I guess it shouldn't be a surprise, but at the same time, I wonder what possessed these people to do it. On one hand, I think it's a great way to inform parents, staff, and students about lessons that went really well and post information that needs to be given out to a large amount of people. BUT, what about the privacy of the students?? When I first glanced at these sights I thought they seemed like really great ideas (and to some extent I still feel that way), but again, I think there are some guidelines that need to be followed. There were videos and pictures of these students and I feel that was, perhaps, going a bit too far. We all know far to well how destructive and dangerous the internet can be. So while exploiting its benefits, it is also very important to be extremely aware of what we are putting out there. Because once it is out, it is very hard to take it back.
With the strong force that tech has in today's society, I guess it shouldn't be a surprise, but at the same time, I wonder what possessed these people to do it. On one hand, I think it's a great way to inform parents, staff, and students about lessons that went really well and post information that needs to be given out to a large amount of people. BUT, what about the privacy of the students?? When I first glanced at these sights I thought they seemed like really great ideas (and to some extent I still feel that way), but again, I think there are some guidelines that need to be followed. There were videos and pictures of these students and I feel that was, perhaps, going a bit too far. We all know far to well how destructive and dangerous the internet can be. So while exploiting its benefits, it is also very important to be extremely aware of what we are putting out there. Because once it is out, it is very hard to take it back.
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