23 Things for Web 2.0: April 2009
Course Description : This online course was offered through the Monroe County ISD in Michigan. Is was a self-paced online learning experience introducing Web 2.0 tools. Students learned about many Web 2.0 tools including:
- Wikis
- Blogs
- Social Bookmarking
- Photo Editing
- Google Docs
Not only did students learn about these topics, they actually practiced using each tool. Students communicated throughout the course through a class dicussion board and posts on each other's blog. Discussion focused on how these tools could be used in education, both from an administrative and instruction point of view.
Here is the Blog I created using some of the tools from the class.
Reflection: This was my first real experience in the Web 2.0 world. It really prepared my for starting my masters in classroom technology. When these tools were discussed in my grad classes, I felt more at ease because I already knew the tools and had insight on how they could be utilized for education. The online learning experience was also my first and it was tough. I am not good at time management and tend to over think most assignments. This made my 20 hours of professional development take about three times that amount. The experience exposed me to some great tools found online. I began using Google Docs with my math department and eventually with RTI. This gave me insight into online collaboration and discussion and how I could use it in my own classroom. I now have students simulate distance learning and collaboration in my computer classes. Since I have taken the class, there has been to additional coursed added. I plan on taking both of them in the future.
Outstanding Technology Projects to Enhance Content Learning in Grades 2-6: May 2010
Seminar Description: The one day seminar given by BER gave examples and ideas for integrating technology into elementary conten and in all core areas. The course came with a corresponding book listing more activities and tools. There was also a website created by the presenter, Marilyn Western, containing more information and resources. Some of the topics discussed were:
- Technology and Bloom's Taxonomy
- Research Projects in Elementary Grades
- Digital Images
- Digital Movies
- Keyboarding
- Web 2.0 Tools and Collaboration
Reflection: This seminar discussed many online tools I had never seen before. Marilyn Western discussed how to use technology in projects for every grade level and content areas. The corresponding book and website were invaluable. I was so impressed with her wealth of ideas, I listed two of her sites on my BGSU wiki. I have tried several of her ideas and have shared them with other teachers. Having majored in math and science for upper grades, I did not have any idea of how to integrate technology into lower grade curriculum. If I want to be a leader within my district I need to be knowledgeable on how to integrate technology in all grades.
Michigan Association of Computer Users for Learning (MACUL) Conference: March 2010 & 2011
Conference Description: This is a two day conference its members from Michigan and neighboring states. Attendees can choose from several different 1-hour sessions throughout the two day event. There were a wide variety of sessions ranging from administration and management to technical issues. There were two great keynote speakers, Hal Davidson from Discovery Education and Rushton Hurley from Next Vista for Learning. The conference also has an area for vendors to set up exhibits to demonstrate the newest technologies. There was also a student showcase where groups of students from different schools demonstrating how they use technology in their learning.
Reflection:I have been lucky enough to attend this conference two years in a row. I am already looking forward to next year. The mood is positive and everyone is thinking toward the future and considering where to take technology next. The keynote speaker introduced the conference to the idea of digital textbooks where each student can change the color of text and reading level. The teachers can insert video clips and pictures of students or local landmarks. I have never thought of that before. The speaker also showed our group's Twitter account on the big screen so everyone could read teh posts people were making during his presentation. The audience answered survey questions with cell phones. Is this where the future is headed, every student comes to class with cell phones and a computer with no "real" textbooks? This conference pushes me to think beyond today and create a vision of the future. If I plan on being a leader in the technology field, it is to know how to apply technology for today and have a vision of technology for tomorrow.