Wow! I cannot believe the amount of knowledge I've gained about web 2.0 tools and how useful they can be in the classroom! Yes, exclamation point! Previous to this class, I referred to myself as a self-proclaimed techno-tard. So sorry if that seems so politically incorrect! To stress the point, however, I formally regarded myself as someone with just enough knowledge and experience with anything that had anything to do with the computer as to be dangerous to myself and others. I knew just enough to screw everything up!
BUT NOW: I'm a new woman. I feel enlightened and empowered. I formally embraced the idea of the web-based technology out there as just another "game" kids could play. How could they be researching while creating an avatar and exploring the rainforests of Costa Rica? Thankfully, it has been revealed to me that there is a plethora of programs "out there" to not only entertain, but also teach our kids. I am constantly reminded that we are all students.
Let's face it: the 21st century student is unique to many of us. This child springs from the womb with an inherent and energetic ability to control a keyboard, an MP3, a search engine. It's up to us to direct that energy. As a prospective librarian (and currently a teacher), I plan to keep my listserv current, stay updated with the latest web 2.0 tools, and stay constant with my colleagues through blogs and emails. I have discovered that blogs, social bookmarking, and collaborative projects that incorporate tools such as GoogleDocs will help me stay current with innovations and news-worthy happenings. The ultimate goal is learning, utilizing, and teaching this ever-changing and connecting technology to educators and students alike.
Monday, May 2, 2011
Thursday, April 14, 2011
The Job of Organizing
The ability to organize and manage information on the Web is crucial for 21st century student success. Not only will this assist in streamlining information for students, it also aids in collaborative projects students may encounter. The role of the librarian is to partner with teachers to help students with this task. The librarian, as well as the technology teacher, can educate the students in how to access and evaluate information on its credibility and how to categorize the information they have obtained. Many assignments today focus on student collaboration, and the librarian can explain the merits of keeping that information organized by illustrating to teachers and students how effective tools such as online graphic organizers, calendars, and outliners can be. Students no longer will be required to meet together to work on a project, but can actually “meet” in cyberspace twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. Librarians can also enable students to put the pieces of the information puzzle together so that they can avoid information overload. I believe this will empower the students and help them feel less overwhelmed with the sheer volume of information that is “out there.”
I believe two of my Diigo tags would be helpful. PBWorks helps librarians organize and manage information, and Wallwisher is an online bulletin board of sorts where students and teachers can recommend useful websites.
I believe two of my Diigo tags would be helpful. PBWorks helps librarians organize and manage information, and Wallwisher is an online bulletin board of sorts where students and teachers can recommend useful websites.
Friday, April 1, 2011
Web 2.0...the Machine is Us/Using Us
Who knew that the popular catch-phrase of the 1990s "we are becoming a global society," would not only be proven extremely true, but also would change the way we not only communicate with others but enhance education, careers, and many other aspects of our lives. People are better linked to each other today than ever before. Web 2.0 tools have taken us beyond simple contact to collaboration; from simply linking text to connecting via photos, videos, and mapping; from simply reporting or sending information to working with one another to sharing and editing that information online. Web 2.0 offers the separation of form and content enabling people to easily access and modify information.
I agree with Marc Prensky when he states that the children we teach now are “digital learners.” They have the advantage over the older generation. It seems they’ve sprung from the womb with an inherent ability to embrace technology as quickly as it evolves. As librarians, we must realize this and maintain an attitude that acknowledges this fact. The world has become smaller. Web 2.0 tools have truly become “us using us.” However, in his video, “Web 2.0…the Machine is Us/Using Us,” Professor Michael Wesch’s stresses that there are responsibilities attached. We truly must rethink authorship, copyrights, ethics, governance, and privacy. Instead of raging against the Machine, in education, our charge is to embrace and utilize it.
I believe that Professor Wesch presented his video with the title “Web 2.0…the Machine is Us/Using Us” because that exactly describes the current state of technological affairs. We are using each other; however, we are using each other in a manner that benefits all.
I agree with Marc Prensky when he states that the children we teach now are “digital learners.” They have the advantage over the older generation. It seems they’ve sprung from the womb with an inherent ability to embrace technology as quickly as it evolves. As librarians, we must realize this and maintain an attitude that acknowledges this fact. The world has become smaller. Web 2.0 tools have truly become “us using us.” However, in his video, “Web 2.0…the Machine is Us/Using Us,” Professor Michael Wesch’s stresses that there are responsibilities attached. We truly must rethink authorship, copyrights, ethics, governance, and privacy. Instead of raging against the Machine, in education, our charge is to embrace and utilize it.
I believe that Professor Wesch presented his video with the title “Web 2.0…the Machine is Us/Using Us” because that exactly describes the current state of technological affairs. We are using each other; however, we are using each other in a manner that benefits all.
Friday, February 25, 2011
Uses for Quick Response Codes
A fabulous way to utilize quick response tags in the library is to have them on the inside of novel jackets. Any student could have instant access to the author's biography, website, or blog if these exist. Accessing author commentaries and videos and applications such as Google Lit trip would help add interest to the novel. Also, students writing essays, such as character analyses, could have access to scholarly reviews and/or journal articles instantly with the click of a button.
For younger students, setting up a geography scavenger hunt could help make learning fun. Quick response tags could begin in the classroom and end in the library with clues as to which country they must find. Once they make it through the scavenger hunt, the last quick response tag could have a video about various aspects of that particular country, such as cultural values, with which to end the lesson.
For younger students, setting up a geography scavenger hunt could help make learning fun. Quick response tags could begin in the classroom and end in the library with clues as to which country they must find. Once they make it through the scavenger hunt, the last quick response tag could have a video about various aspects of that particular country, such as cultural values, with which to end the lesson.
Friday, January 28, 2011
strengths and weaknesses in technology
As an educator, I can safely admit that my weaknesses in technology greatly outweigh my strengths. For instance, just creating this blog resulted in assistance from my daughters and a glass of wine! I'm not interesting in participating in any social network for several reasons, namely: I'm uncertain of the safety of these mediums, and quite frankly, I feel as though we as humans are way too caught up in ourselves. I'm afraid that using this mode of communication takes us from faceo-to-face conversation. I'm afraid we're losing the ability to interact at a physical level. Eye-to-eye contact is priceless. My fear is that my closed-mindedness will restrict my ability to embrace these opportunities as learning opportunities. I hope to have the time to investigate this a bit more so my fear will go away.
My one strength, however, is the use of the Promethean board in the classroom. We have come so far in the way we teach, and thankfully, this engages students in ways that lecture alone never will be able to. I enjoy creating flipcharts, and using the Internet to research different topics is fabulous. I plan to continue using this tool in my class.
My one strength, however, is the use of the Promethean board in the classroom. We have come so far in the way we teach, and thankfully, this engages students in ways that lecture alone never will be able to. I enjoy creating flipcharts, and using the Internet to research different topics is fabulous. I plan to continue using this tool in my class.
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