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Google Earth
I choose Google Earth as my Web 2.0 tool. I chose this tool because of the content that I teach: history. I have used it before in my classroom so I am a little bit experienced with it.
I believe that the strongest aspect is how students can use it in the classroom. There are different applications that allow layers to be placed on maps. These layers contain information such as historical maps of ancient civilizations. Geographic regions from the past. Best of all, my students can create virtual tours that can take the place of coloring paper maps! The most difficult aspect is teaching 6th graders how to use Google Earth. Like many things online, it can become confusing very fast and if you do not have a solid base knowledge of how the application works your lesson can burn quickly.
Sunday, September 26, 2010
Thing #5 Web & School 2.0
I have to quote the learned Mr. Spock right now..."fascinating"...
The Chinese have a saying/curse (I know this is a bit cliche, but it fits) "may you live in interesting times"...
Although I am excited about the increasing technology that is becoming available every day, I must admit a little bit of trepidation. I remember the chalkboards in classrooms and I was taught using paper and pencil. My concerns gravitate towards the knowledge that my students are experiencing a great change that will continue throughout their life. They are on the cusp of a new "age" of learning; an age that steers away from the old model of pen and paper and begins to use higher technology. Teachers such as myself have an onerous task ahead of us. We need to break the shackles of how we were taught and begin adapting to what our students need. These children should be prepared to face the world that they will live and build. If we cannot show them how to live in this new world than we will ultimately fail in our task. Wow...
I must admit that I am feeling lots of excitement. I have always wanted to live in a sci-fi novel and it turns out that is coming true as I speak! Did anyone seriously expect that an Ipad would show up in an 1980s/90s science fiction television show? The ability to interact with people globally, to write and record online, and to learn from new ideas has much potential for our children. I may admit a little bit of fear, but I would say the excitement outweighs it by a long shot!
The Chinese have a saying/curse (I know this is a bit cliche, but it fits) "may you live in interesting times"...
Although I am excited about the increasing technology that is becoming available every day, I must admit a little bit of trepidation. I remember the chalkboards in classrooms and I was taught using paper and pencil. My concerns gravitate towards the knowledge that my students are experiencing a great change that will continue throughout their life. They are on the cusp of a new "age" of learning; an age that steers away from the old model of pen and paper and begins to use higher technology. Teachers such as myself have an onerous task ahead of us. We need to break the shackles of how we were taught and begin adapting to what our students need. These children should be prepared to face the world that they will live and build. If we cannot show them how to live in this new world than we will ultimately fail in our task. Wow...
Thing #4
Communication is key. I think the most important part about blogging would be the comments you receive. Seriously, do we blog because we don't want the attention? I will get pretty bored if I don't have anyone commenting on my posts. I encourages all of us bloggers to use their valuable time sharing what they have learned and experienced.
I really enjoyed Problogger's 10 techniques on getting more comments. I enjoy open ended questions and the responses that come with them. It is a great way to learn new ideas and points of view. Since I plan on using a blog for my classroom I need to be careful and set boundaries on what the comments should contain. Students can say some pretty nasty stuff and I need to foster an attitude of respect for oneself, peers, and guests.
The five APSU student blogs I chose are:
Tabitha's Busy Life
Molly's Journey Through 23 Things
Fish's Blogs: Summarizing the 2.0 Experience
C McClenathan's McBlog
C. Sensing
I basically commented on different posts and their content. I gave my two cents on their ideas.
The two non-APSU blogs are:
13th Depository-a blog devoted to the Wheel of Time book series by Robert Jordan
World History Teachers Blog
I chose these blogs because I love reading (especially the Wheel of Time) and history. It is quite enjoyable to comment and discuss different topics in my favorite genres.
I really enjoyed Problogger's 10 techniques on getting more comments. I enjoy open ended questions and the responses that come with them. It is a great way to learn new ideas and points of view. Since I plan on using a blog for my classroom I need to be careful and set boundaries on what the comments should contain. Students can say some pretty nasty stuff and I need to foster an attitude of respect for oneself, peers, and guests.
The five APSU student blogs I chose are:
Tabitha's Busy Life
Molly's Journey Through 23 Things
Fish's Blogs: Summarizing the 2.0 Experience
C McClenathan's McBlog
C. Sensing
I basically commented on different posts and their content. I gave my two cents on their ideas.
The two non-APSU blogs are:
13th Depository-a blog devoted to the Wheel of Time book series by Robert Jordan
World History Teachers Blog
I chose these blogs because I love reading (especially the Wheel of Time) and history. It is quite enjoyable to comment and discuss different topics in my favorite genres.
Thing #3
Wow! What could I use my blog for in the classroom. Well I plan on creating different blogs. One will be a blog for my students and parents. It will give information such as assignments, parent/teacher conference schedules (when it takes place that is), extracurricular activities, due dates for permission slips, I could go on, and on, and on, and...you get the picture!
I think the type of blog I am most excited about would be one centered around my content. I plan on having my students use the internet and computers throughout the year and a blog would be a nice safe website that I can direct them to. I can even use it as a springboard that directs them to other websites (have you ever tried teaching 11 years how to type an url correctly? I don't recommend it).
I think the type of blog I am most excited about would be one centered around my content. I plan on having my students use the internet and computers throughout the year and a blog would be a nice safe website that I can direct them to. I can even use it as a springboard that directs them to other websites (have you ever tried teaching 11 years how to type an url correctly? I don't recommend it).
Thing #2 My First Blog
Congratulations me! I created my first blog and I plan on using this one outside of this class. It wasn't too difficult since I am pretty familiar with the concept. I have created blogs before, but deleted them or gave up on them. I plan on using this blog as a journal of sorts, to record what I have and will continue to learn. That is the reason for this title :)...
I chose this avatar because it reflects my personality. I love the Indiana Jones movies and I am a history teacher as well. I wanted to include a basic image of what I look like with the closest thing to a fedora on the doppelme website that I could find.
I chose this avatar because it reflects my personality. I love the Indiana Jones movies and I am a history teacher as well. I wanted to include a basic image of what I look like with the closest thing to a fedora on the doppelme website that I could find.
Thing #1
This is my first post for APSU's 23 Things for Teachers!
I think the easiest habit as a lifelong learner would be beginning with a goal in mind. I have lots of ideas of what I want to learn. As I have gotten older, my goals have become more realistic and easier to attain. This doesn't mean that I am afraid to take risks, but I don't shoot for the sky before I even start.
The hardest habit is viewing problems as challenges. I am always looking for ways to challenge myself, but often a problem or obstacle may stop me in my tracks. Take creating a blog for example. I tossed the idea of blogging around for quite a while, but I never seem to find the time to create one. It is pretty easy, but I always let something else come first. Work, school, my marriage (always first lol), and life in general. I guess that I have make the time in whatever way I can!
I think the easiest habit as a lifelong learner would be beginning with a goal in mind. I have lots of ideas of what I want to learn. As I have gotten older, my goals have become more realistic and easier to attain. This doesn't mean that I am afraid to take risks, but I don't shoot for the sky before I even start.
The hardest habit is viewing problems as challenges. I am always looking for ways to challenge myself, but often a problem or obstacle may stop me in my tracks. Take creating a blog for example. I tossed the idea of blogging around for quite a while, but I never seem to find the time to create one. It is pretty easy, but I always let something else come first. Work, school, my marriage (always first lol), and life in general. I guess that I have make the time in whatever way I can!
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