Course Reflection

This was a very informative and interesting class. I learned very much. I didn't even know what a GPS cache was but now I do!!!! Sounds like it would be loads of fun (time permitting), which I don't have very much of right now.

Learning about the IMAC's, I never used a MAC before and I was very glad that we had the opportunity to work with one before going out to various school districts that may utilize them (thank you).

I loved the video project. That was another "first" for me and I liked learning how to use the various software programs.

I never knew about blogging, bookmarking, etc. All of these topics will help me with the remaining classes I have left and will also help when I become a teacher.

I was also very glad that we were able to use the Smart Board again. I really hope I get to use them in the future!!!

When I have more time, there's many things that I've learned about from this class that I hope to expand upon.

Thanks Much for everything that I've learned and will continue to learn about technology!!!
Sincerely,
April Lenhart

Clickers

Personal Response Systems, a.k.a "Clickers", Love them!!!!!

I hope that when I student teach or when I become a teacher that I have access to them.

Such a cool piece of technology. Sounds like a lot of "bang" for the "buck".

April

Smart Board Presentations

I really love the Smart Board!!!! Although I haven't used the software much, I believe there is so much that you can do and teach the students with this wonderful tool and software. I really hope that when I become a teacher that I have a Smart Board in my class because I know I will utilize it and incorporate it in my lessons. Thanks for this assignment. I enjoyed it tremendously!!!!!

April

Boon or Bandwagon?

To all that are having difficulties accessing this article from home, it does open up in the library media lab without any problems.

This article gives teachers and students' perspectives regarding the use of IWB's. The article was compiled through the use of interviews, surveys and questionnaires.

The positives - IWB's were viewed by teachers as being: Flexible/Versatile; Multimedia/Model; Efficient; Made Easier for Supporting/Planning & Development of Resources; Encouraging for Interaction and Group Participation in Lessons.

The positives - IWB's were viewed by students as being: Fun; Interesting; Interactive; Easier to Learn how to use Multi-Media vs. Navigating a Computer Mouse; Images on the SmartBoard Remained in their Memories which Assisted with Learning and Retaining the Materials.

The negatives: - IWB's were viewed by the teachers as: Problematic without Adequate Training; having Technical Difficulties which could send the Class into Boredom until the Problems are Straightened Out; having Problems with Viewing the Screen because of Direct Sunlight, the Teachers Shadow, Inappropriate Fonts/Color Problems, Dust on Screen or Projector Lens; being a Safety Concern because of the Number of Wires Needed for the Equipment; having Alignment/Calibration Issues when the Equipment is Moved.

The negatives - IWB's were viewed by students as: A Pain/Embarrassment to get up out of their seats to work on the board; an Embarrassment if they have an answer wrong in front of the entire class; Boring if the teacher doesn't know how to use the board properly and uses it simply for lecture purposes; Difficult to see and use if the screen is not positioned at the correct height.

In my opinion, I believe that IWB's are "boon" not "bandwagon". I believe that as with anything else, it takes practice to use and master the IWB's. The positives so outweigh the negatives and with enough practice, the negatives can be eliminated.

April

Youtube Smartboard Demo

This demo teaches you the "basic" operation and functionality of the IWB's. I've used the Smartboard only once but did have a history class where the Professor used the Smartboard to teach every lesson. I'm fairly familiar with the basics that this demo talked about; however, I did learn some things regarding the smart key board, how to make it appear and the various types of Smartboards that are available.

I'm hoping to get to the library tomorrow or Tuesday before class to check out and experiment with the software.

April

Interactive Whiteboards in Math

This article describes, in steps, how to use IWB software such as Easitech Venn Diagram and Function Math, Difference Found and Smart Notebook, using the Scaffolding teaching approach. Each step, (Demonstration, Modler, Teacher in control - inviting the pupil, Pupils in control with the teacher "advising" and Pupils work independently) is broken down with suggestions for each category.
April

The Digital Classroom

This article lists the costs of the interactive white board equipment and it's very expensive. I can now see why some districts cannot afford to put one in every room. However, there is some grant funding and some companies do offer discounts on their equipment.Really impressive functions mentioned include the teacher's ability to have scribbles translated to printed text and to have every scribble and every place visited on the board recorded so that there is a record for absent students/distant learners.A function that I can really see the students taking to is their, (through a wireless key pad), ability to answer embedded questions and have the results/answers appear quickly.April

The Wonders of Interactive White Boards

There were some interesting details in this article. I'm surprised that the United Kingdom, China and Mexico are utilizing the SmartBoard more than the U.S. I know that some schools have Smartboards, but since the students are so responsive to using them, you'd think that there would be more of an effort to have one placed in every classroom, or at least have more of them available for teachers to use.

Additionally, I would be interested in viewing the RM Educational software that was slated to be released in the summer of '07. This software is supposed to be aligned with state standards and includes lesson plans, homework, games and assessment for various subjects.

As far as the Activote, I believe it's a really great assessment tool to be able to poll students and receive their feedback.

Also, I took advantage and signed up for the free subscription of T.H.E. Journal that was included with the article. Thanks.
April

PowerPoint Presentation

It's been a while since I last had to prepare a PowerPoint presentation. I had forgotten some important details when transferring sound and video. I betcha next time I do a presentation, I make sure the files are imported correctly and the files are also on my USB flash drive. I betcha that I'll also take my USB flash drive to school and make sure everything opens up before I give my presentation!

Lesson learned the hard way!

April

MAC Computers

After using MAC computers for the first time in class the other night, I discovered that I really like the MACs! There are some really cool functions! I wish I would have used the MAC before I recently purchased my computer for home use. I think I may have opted to purchase a MAC!
Oh well, next time.
April

Video Project Reflection

I have just uploaded the video to you tube. I'm a little disappointed with the final version that we posted. As I posted in my earlier blog, I was hoping that Audacity would open my sound files that I made from home but it didn't. My intention was to have either music playing faintly or have children singing their ABC's faintly in the background while the narrator spoke. Unfortunately, we couldn't open up the sound files in Audacity . Additionally, I started and completed about 3/4 of the movie at home. The next day, Carol came to my house and we added information and pictures that she had taken into the video. However, when we got to class, the version of Movie Maker I used at home was not compatible with the version of Movie Maker that Albright College uses and we had to start making the video all over on Wednesday night. Thank goodness the files of the pics and audio did open up. After we saved the video that we made at Albright, I was able to open the video up at home. I think I have a newer version of Movie Maker than Albright has, (my computer is just a few months old), and it was frustrating and disappointing to me.

Regarding the actual assignment itself, all things being equal, I really did enjoy making a video since I've never made one before. I liked learning how to use Movie Maker and I can see myself using this program in the future. I think if I had to do it over again, I wouldn't have chosen the topic that we did. It was difficult to get video footage because the learning center is off-site and we were not permitted to use pictures of the students because we were putting the video on you tube. So, we had very few "approved" students to use during production.

I think it would have been helpful if we could have been put in our groups a few classes prior than what we were and had been given a little more time to think about and talk about the video we planned on making (even if the discussions took place outside of class). I felt that this part of the project was a little rushed and had we be given a bit more time for planning, we could have possibly produced a better video.

Just one person's opinion.

See ya in class.

April

Video Making Blog

Hello everyone. Carol and I were busy yesterday and today collecting data for our movie. We used movie maker at my house; however, we discovered that we can not run the video we made thus far using Movie Maker because Albright's library doesn't have the same version of movie maker. All was not lost because I was able to open the pics and the sounds/music we downloaded for the project. I discovered that I could record at home into Movie Maker using a Play Station (Sing Star) microphone. I hope that we are able to copy the files we have thus far into Audacity.

Tomorrow, I will cam cord the director of the Learning Center and shoot footage of Carol teaching a class. I read the tips for shooting video. Hope all goes well.

April

4 Generations: The Water Buffalo Movie

That was very moving. It was happy and sad at the same time. To think that it all started with a blog.

The generosity of the violinist was remarkable. To think, because of technology and the generosity and compassion of this one man, he's changed a whole family's life for the better.

I had tears welling up but was in the library so I didn't cry.

But what an incredible story and gift.

See ya tonight.

April

Smartboard Basics

The Smartboard (Interactive White Board) is an awsome interactive tool for students and teachers alike.

I've used the Smartboard only once, but loved it. It is like a great big computer that everyone can view in the classroom. Your finger is the mouse and you operate the Smartboard like a computer.

The Smartboard tool lets you convert your handwriting into text, it allows you to access clip art and include it in your presentations. You can access educational games via the internet, as well as other websites on the internet. You can take virtual tours as a class. You can watch movie clips, listen to audio and teach lesson plans directly from the Smartboard. You can use it for PowerPoint presentations. The options are unlimited.

Unfortunately, the classrooms that I've been in did not have Smart Boards; however, I believe that there is usually one or two that the teachers have access to and can sign out to use.

Technology, it's a great thing.

April

Video Goes to School, Part I

Wow. I think that the idea of having students write, direct, and produce their own videos is exciting and educational at the same time. Because they are directly involved with their learning process, I can see how there would be increased student performance because of their motivation and interest. Students who know that they are going to appear on the video would naturally want to do the best possible job that they can.

I also think that it is a great supplemental tool when teaching a lesson. Streaming video clips into the classroom is a wonderful tool for those who are visual learners. The topics that can be taught are limitless and range anywhere from teaching life skills, math, social studies, language arts, etc., and definitely helps with fluency.

Of course, you need the support of the administration and the video/tech equipment.

The school from Allentown had a terrific idea when they started the video tech project as an extra-curricular activity. They have students who volunteer and come to school early each day to create, produce and air their own little daily school "news" show. Cudos to the teachers and students involved in this program.

April

Tools for Teks: Integrating Technology in the Classroom

I can see where making a podcast could be motivational because its fun and interesting to produce at the same time.

I think that it is really awesome that students who posts podcasts on the web are able to get feedback from all over the world.

Podcasts can distribute different types of files, including videos and audio. Podcasting is digital sotry telling.

It provides a window into the classroom.

It is most definitely a creative outlet for students.

April

RSS Video and Article

Both Lee LeFever's video on RSS and the article entitled "What Is RSS" were very easy to understand.

I like the idea of having my favorite web sites send "updates" to me automatically, which I will be able to access at my convenience. This, I agree, will be a great time saver.

Also, I liked the Oprah definition "Ready for Some Stories", which is a great way to sum up RSS.

I look forward to tomorrow's class discussion regarding RSS.

April

Social Book Marking Site

My social booking marking site address is www.diigo.com/user/aprillenhart.

diigo was very user friendly and easy to use. All of my sites have been book marked, excepting one, tryscience.org. I tried numerous times to book mark the site, but each time I received a "Run Time Error". I don't know what that means.

See you tomorrow.

April

Tech Learning-Storing Book Marks On Line

Storing book marks on line is a form of a read/write web, which is focused on collaboration and interacting with others on line.

Social book marking lists sometimes end up redistributed via blogs as RSS feeds.

The use of tags will also play a role in the future on how we will retrieve information from libraries as well as the web.

Since this concept is new to me, what I've heard and read on this subject sounds really wonderful. I'm looking forward to using the delicious site and trying this out for myself first hand. I'll let you know what I think after I've experienced social book marking first hand.

April

7 Things You Should Know Re: Social Book Marking

Additional positive aspects regarding social book marking include:

• Tells how many others book marked the site.
• If you click on the number, you can see exactly who else book marked it when they found it.
• A further click shows the book mark collection of others interested in your site.

Negative problems regarding social book marking include:

• Poor use of tags.
• Need to maintain and update book markings consistently.

I think the positive benefits of social book marking far outweigh the negative issues.

April

Social Book Marking

I watched the 3.25 minute video today regarding social bookmarking. I think that social book marking will be very beneficial. I never knew about social book marking until I watched the video. The ability to share relative web sites with peers will most definitely be an asset.

April

TECH Tools For Learning

This was a good article. The author did a good job of explaining the innovative tools that are available to students/teachers without using too much technical terminology. I also appreciated the various sites that the author had listed for the different types of technology which included information on weblogs, RSS (Real Simple Syndication), Pod Casting, Webcams and Streaming Videos.

Some of the high lites:

Blogs: On-line journal vs. peer collaboration, public or private conversation, reflective on-line portfolios.

Implement a teacher blog and have the students subscribe to the daily updates using blogs.
Blogs are a good tool for parents to look at for homework assignments and class updates.

RSS: We're now able to have all the various blogs we want to read, accessible at one site. Additionally, RSS now delivers newspapers and magazines.

Pod Casting: Can be used to narrate field trips, conduct interviews, listen to news shows, take museum tours and record student audio books.

Teachers can use to record lessons and than make them available to the visually impaired or absent.

Webcams: You can go on-line and through the use of small cameras throughout the world, you are able to look on-line and study just about anything in the world.

Streaming Videos: 5 to 10 minute-long videos which reinforces lessons or discussions that have already taken place. They can be embedded into PowerPoint presentations. There were various sites listed by the author for video clips, videos, etc.

April

Library 2.0

I would say that the author's definition and theory of Library 2.0 throughout the text is definitely consistent with the philosophies of Web 2.0. The author did a great job of explaining technical terms.

I like the feature where the system will be able to discern when a user is lost when trying to retrieve reference data. If the user chooses, the system will automatically provide on-line help.

I agree with the author that "Blogs will be the new form of publication and wikis are the new form of study rooms."

Another neat feature for the user will be that they can retrieve information on the system by using standard tags (that the library issues) or by using user tags (provided by the users).

April

What Is Web 2.0

I have to be honest, this article went over my head somewhat. I didn't know there was a "dot.com" collapse until reading this article. The contents of the first chart (Web 1.0 vs. Web 2.0) was also somewhat foreign to me; however, one comparison I am familiar with is Britannica on-line vs. Wikipedia. And, I do agree and favor Wikipedia by far (even though people can do Wikis). Regarding the 2nd chart, I was totally lost.

At the end of the article, I do like the list of the 7 features that the author has listed that one can use to test if a company who claims that its Web 2.0 is really a Web 2.0 company.

April

Tools for the TEKS: Integrating Technology in the Classroom

I really liked this article. It was written on my level, (i.e. not the most technological savvy person in the world), and was easy to understand. I enjoyed reading about the syndication technologies and like that we can now have digital imaging software for free over the Internet and can publish things globally for people to see. The read/write lab is a good tool for students who have to collaborate on a project and it also helps the instructor to get an idea of what each student's individual perspective and contributions may be.

I really thought this was a great site for teachers and appreciated that the author shared addresses for on-line rubric creators, graphic and digital-photo tools.

April

Tools for the Teks: Integrating Technology in the Classroom

Again, when dealing with blogs, I think you have to be aware of the security issues and check with the administration's philosophy regarding blogs.

However, I did write down the names of some of the free cites the author mentioned throughout the article. Thank you.

April Lenhart

Blogs: Webs of Connected Learning

I like the idea of having a Personal Learning Network and that you can allow the public to access to your network and have strangers leave comments. This gives you a different perspective on issues that you're interested in from others than those who are listed in your address book. However, the public domain may be appropriate for adults, but as the author of this article indicates, there are grave safety concerns for children because of on-line predators. I think the suggestion for schools to have their own blogosphere's is a great idea. There is much more security and controls in place.

April Lenhart

Back to School with the Class of Web 2.0: Part 3

This article was very informational. Being new to the educational world of technology, I can see how blogging could be very helpful and assist with communication with students, parents, co-workers and other colleagues.

Pod casting, although I never witnessed students using this first hand, sounds like it could be a fun and interesting way for the students to learn.

Wikis and Wikipedia. I've never used Wikis but I've used Wikipedia. As mentioned in the article, I too was told already not to use Wikipedia becuase the info may not be up-to-date/thorough/accurate.

Video Sharing sounds like something I will investigate in the future. Google video and VideoJug sound as though they could be very helpful to locate visual aids/instructional videos for students to view.

School 2.0 is in the "construction" stage but is sounds as though it has promise.

I'm new to blogging and I understand what a Blog line is; however, I'm unsure what a Netvibe is.

Second Life that is being used by Harvard Law School sounds really neat. The idea of being able to communicate with anyone in the world, utilizing real time, is just unbelievably mind blowing.

April Lenhart

Educating the Net Generation

Wow. I enjoyed reading the intro and the chapters. First of all, I would have to disagree with the author in the intro. At this point, I am still the technology guru in my house, not the kids. That said, in the subsequent chapters, I liked the various perspectives. I found the young Net Gen professor conversing with the older professor interesting. However, I don't see how in this day and age, if you're an educator, how you could be totally technologically disinclined. I was impressed by the amount of data provided (including the charts) throughout the chapters. I particularly found the chapter regarding the student interest in taking classes utilizing IT interesting. Mostly, students wanted a "moderate" amount of IT when taking classes versus an extensive amount; perhaps, indicative of a need for one-on-one instruction and socialization that face-to-face classes provide. I would say that I would personally agree with those studies. The best class I have ever taken was a U.S. History class that was web based. The class met twice a week and the professor was impressive in his usage of the Smart board. Because of technology, the class was very interesting and I looked forward to going to class. In addition to the prof's excellent use of the Smart Board, he had a wealth of knowledge about history and very interesting stories that accompanied his knowledge. Additionally, all the assignments were on the web, along with a way to converse with the professor (which he was very good about answering his e-mails in a timely fashion) along with a number of relative articles, journals, databases, etc., that the prof linked to the web page. Therefore, I believe the IT part of the class made life easier, but I also enjoyed the face-to-face discussions and instruction. This is a good example of a Baby Boomer who was very passionate about teaching who did an exceptional job of learning how to use technology to teach subject matter to a generation X'r (i.e. "me") who learned a great deal from him. Coincidentally, the majority of the rest of the class were from the Net Generation. The wave of the future will include things like virtual 3-D programs for visual learners, virtual tours/field trips. Someday, maybe not in my lifetime, all students may be home schooled using technology.

April Lenhart

A Learning Theory for the Digital Age

This article provided some ideas, concepts and theories that I agree with (and there were also some citations to refer to). First of all, I agree that what we learn outside of the academic arena in our every day lives impacts what we learn, (i.e. knowledge is gained through experiences). I also agree with the author that the ability to synthesize and recognize connections and patterns is a valuable skill. Regarding connectivisim, "decisions based on rapidly altering foundations" and "the distinction to draw between important and unimportant is vital", takes me back to the basics when I first started working with computers/technology back in the 1980's, which was "GIGO", garbage in = garbage out. This still holds true today.
April Lenhart

Digital Natives, Digital Immigrants

I'm kind of on the fence with this article. First of all, I didn't care for the fact that the author states that "thinking patterns have changed" for the natives without citing documented studies and/or statistics. Just saying "a different way of doing things is causing a different way thinking" is not proof in my book. Secondly, how old are the "immigrants" that the author is referring to? I'm 40 and I've learned to work on the computer doing homework while my kids are in the next room jamming on PS2 Rock Band, while my husband is in the other room watching T.V. and I'll answer the occasional telephone call or text message simultaneously while all this is going on.

I believe that a good teacher has to keep up with the changing technology and learn along with the kids as it changes.

April Lenhart

Young Minds, Fast Times: The 21st Century Digital Learner

Excellent article. I loved it! I totally agree that students need to incorporate their ideas and add input into the learning process. Although there is much more technology available than when I was a student, the basics haven't changed. Students don't want to be bored and just hear lecture and do work sheets. They want to contribute to what they are learning and this in turn gets them more interested in what they are learning. This refers to that old adage "one supports what one helps to create". I'm sure that there is quite a bit that teachers can learn from their students regarding technology. In stead of teachers being intimidated by how much more the students know, I think the teachers should welcome the students input and embrace it.

Also, I just have to say that I think I'm going to get one of those T-shirts printed up for my 12 year old daughter, "It's not attention deficit -- I'm just not listening". That is so "hitting the nail right on the head!! LOL!!!!

April Lenhart

Test

This is my first entry.