ICT in Schools

Our last presentation on ICT was very interesting. Both presenters showed many new applications for technology in the classroom. In spite of all of the new technologies the thing that stood out most for me was how they used powerpoint in the presentations. They both used slides in more of a rapid speed approach. This slides had a single word or picture that went along with what they were saying. The slides were flipped quickly and by doing so this kept the attention of the class. I will for sure use this method in my student teaching placement. Far to often students are expected to look at the same screen for long periods of time while maintaining concentration.

Although the rest of the technologies were "neat" and a great way to connect technolgy and students many of these programs or software seemed to involve complex set up by the teacher. What I mean by this is that I was not familiar with the progams or how to run or use them. Although I relize this is not a good excuse to avoid technology I think I would need addtional assistance from someone who is more ICT savy.

By the end of the class I was both amazed and overwelmed. I continue to be in awe of how fast technology is moving and how little I know about it despite what I may think. Moving forward into a career of teaching I hope that schools continue to think of technolgy as a crucial part of the classroom. In saying this I also hope that schools offer the supports necessary for teachers to stay current with the ever changing world of technology.

Goodbye for now!
Good luck in finding jobs Ed people!

What the Skype?

Although all of the presentations were great today the presentation about using skype and illuminate caught my attention. Through out the year we have been introduced to many web based applications to incorperate into our teaching. Many times due to time and other reasons we have simply been told to "check this out" or "you should try this" todays class was a great opportunity to actually be shown how to use skype and illuminate and there applications to the classroom. I really like what I saw from skype and think that I will be able to use many of its applications while teaching. Having guest lectures through skype is the most obvious use for skype. The thing that caught my attention was using skype as a conferencing tool and the ability to view the computer screen of the person that you are talking to. I could see this application becoming useful for students who are having trouble on the computer. They could skype with the teacher and show them exactly what the problem is. As far as illuminate goes it is a great program. The only draw back would be the cost. $500 dollars for one year does not seem like a viable option unless additional funding was availible. In comparing the two programs I would say that I feel that skype is the better program do to the fact that it is free and it can do many of the same things that illuminate is capable of doing.

-Cheers!

Cyber Bullying

Cyber bullying in and outside of schools is a growing concern. Many of the face to face bullying is being replaced by behind the scenes bullying through facebook, msn or other social network sites. As a future teacher this is alarming. How are we supose to help students with bullying if it can not be scence or heard. Are we as teachers supose to actively comb through social network sites in search of bullying. I think we need to find a more practical solution for this type of bullying. What this solution is I am still not sure of.

The presentation today brought forth the importance of this issue. The main point that I walked away remembering was this question:
Should schools ban forms of technolgy (cell phones etc)? and does this reduce cyber bullying?

It really made me think that banning technolgy is not the answer. Students will find a way around these raod blocks. I think the answer to the reduction of cyber bullying is simply early education. Like many other problems we must start from the ground and work our way up.

This is a huge deal right now. Please let me know what you think!

Technology in Physical Education

Last week in one of my other classes we did a presentation on technology in physical education. As a group we showed five ways of infusing technology into the classroom. The first and most simple was using Wii in the gym. This went over very well. All members of the class willingly participated. Wii is an excellent way to use something that most students are interested in. The second technology was called Fitday this is an online software that allows people to keep track of their food intake and exercise. This program goes above and beyond the capabilities of a simple spread sheet and is worth a look by anyone who is teaching a nutrition unit. It can be found at www.fitday.com. The third technolgy we introduced was a program called moodle. This is a site that can be used for creating mind maps. It is probably best suited for early years students. The link is simply www.wordle.net. I recommend that anyone who uses mind maps in the classroom look into using this site.
The forth technology we showed to our class was podcasts. In the short time I have used itunes and podcasts I have been amazed with the overload of audio and video resources on this program and challange people to search for any topic and tell me that there is nothing to be found. In order to use podcast you need a itunes download which can be found at www.apple.com/itunes/. The last technolgy we presented to our classmates was another simple way to use technology. In the back of the room we had a yoga video playing for our classmates to try. In the fast paced worlf of education we as teachers are bound to fall behind. Using video's are a great way to supplement your teaching and expand on issues were your expertise is limited.

Hopefully in sharing this presentation with you, you will be able to see how easy it is to use technology in the gym.
Feel free to use any of these ideas in your classes!
Cheers!

Web Based Learning

Web based learning or distance education as it is usually called has a number of great uses. In hearing this presentation I think I well be able to use much of the information presented as a part of my classroom. Not only are web based courses great for students who have scheduling problems, travel issues or have trouble working in a traditional classroom but the material included in these course can be used as a resource for teachers who are instructing a course outside their comfort zone. The prepared material can be used as a resource package and could aid in the development of lessons for teachers who are short on time (this well be all of us next year!).

I am sure I will be teaching at least one course I am not familiar with and these resource are something I will be sure to lean on in times of need.