The multi-user virtual environments presentation was another great way to look at technology. One thing that jumped out to me was the application of Twitter for solving of many problems. Instead of banning programs like this in schools they can be used to enhance education. I found the story about people finding out about the earthquake in haiti through twitter before it was recognized in any other way interesting. This example just shows the speed and power of social networking sites. Making yourself availible through applications such as twitter, facebook, etc... will allow you to provide instant feedback to your students. If you are not availible when a question comes up students can use each other and the web to find answers and then relay the information through these networking sites.
I also liked the point that we need to stop demanding that students read traditional books and start looking for opportunities to include gaming and other technologies into our classes as a way to teach literacy. Students can read computer info or manuals for hours and in my oppinion this is just as good as reading books. Literacy is Literacy and reading information that is in relation to technology will only help students in the long run.
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Dr. Alec Couros Presentation
Dr. Alec Couros presentation on technology and its uses in the classroom was amazing. I think for me it was more the way in which the information was shown then actually what was being said. It was easy to see that Dr. Couros not only "talks the talk" but also "walks the walk" when it comes to the many uses of technology.
I really liked the whole format of the presentation. Going into class today I didn't really know what to expect. I thought having a guest speaker talk to us about technology over the internet would be hard to follow or not that exciting. Being apart of this style of presentation has shown me I couldn't have been more wrong. Using elluminate as a platform for his presentation was a great idea. The most impressive thing that I took away from his presentation is the many uses of this program and its endless capabilities in schools. This program is an interactive way of teaching that connects people around the world. In the past travel expenses have hindered some schools from recruiting guest speakers. With this program guest speakers or experts can give presentations from the comfort of their home or office.
The main idea I took away from Dr. Couros was that the internet, social networking sites, handheld devices, and other forms of technologies are not a bad thing and shouold not be banned from schools and classrooms. This is the way the world is moving and technology only aids students success in the world today. As future teachers it is our job to try and catch up to our students and make use of these technologies in our classes.
I really liked the whole format of the presentation. Going into class today I didn't really know what to expect. I thought having a guest speaker talk to us about technology over the internet would be hard to follow or not that exciting. Being apart of this style of presentation has shown me I couldn't have been more wrong. Using elluminate as a platform for his presentation was a great idea. The most impressive thing that I took away from his presentation is the many uses of this program and its endless capabilities in schools. This program is an interactive way of teaching that connects people around the world. In the past travel expenses have hindered some schools from recruiting guest speakers. With this program guest speakers or experts can give presentations from the comfort of their home or office.
The main idea I took away from Dr. Couros was that the internet, social networking sites, handheld devices, and other forms of technologies are not a bad thing and shouold not be banned from schools and classrooms. This is the way the world is moving and technology only aids students success in the world today. As future teachers it is our job to try and catch up to our students and make use of these technologies in our classes.
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
John Evans PLN Presentation
John Evans is a passionate man who is an advocate for the further development and use of technology in the classroom. His presentation brought forth many great ideas about ICT. In particular his thoughts on personal learning networks really caught my attention. Before this presentation I thought I had a basic understanding on how to use technology to your benifit as a teacher. Since hearing John Evans presentation I know I have a lot to learn!
Personal learning networks are a simple tool that allows teachers to network and connect themselves to others who share similar interests. PLN's are a great way to update yourself and continue developing your professional knowledge. They are conventient and allow you access to a wealth of knowledge 24/7. With the application of programs such as twitter and skype conversations and idea sharing with PLN's has become easier than searching the web for the information you require.
Although the application of PLN's is endless I am specifically excited about its applications for physical education teachers. With the recent development of the new curriculum for grades 11 and 12 students I feel teachers are in desperate need of a PLN to share ideas about how to implement the new curriculum documents. In speaking with educators currently teaching phys-ed I have found that their is confusion as to what is the best way to use the new curriculum. I feel that a PLN for phys-ed teachers would be an excellent vehicle for ideas to be shared through. Not only would teachers benifit from a phys-ed PLN but ultimatly the students would benifit the most.
Personal learning networks are a simple tool that allows teachers to network and connect themselves to others who share similar interests. PLN's are a great way to update yourself and continue developing your professional knowledge. They are conventient and allow you access to a wealth of knowledge 24/7. With the application of programs such as twitter and skype conversations and idea sharing with PLN's has become easier than searching the web for the information you require.
Although the application of PLN's is endless I am specifically excited about its applications for physical education teachers. With the recent development of the new curriculum for grades 11 and 12 students I feel teachers are in desperate need of a PLN to share ideas about how to implement the new curriculum documents. In speaking with educators currently teaching phys-ed I have found that their is confusion as to what is the best way to use the new curriculum. I feel that a PLN for phys-ed teachers would be an excellent vehicle for ideas to be shared through. Not only would teachers benifit from a phys-ed PLN but ultimatly the students would benifit the most.
Sunday, January 10, 2010
Blogs
I hae never had a blog before so this is a new experience for me. I look forward to the opportunity to share my ideas, thoughts, beliefs with others.
More to come!
Cheers.
More to come!
Cheers.
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