THING #4

After reading several of the blogs, I realized they are all similar to informal get together to discuss similar interests. The writing seems to be very informal in most of the blogs, often appearing to be a chat among friends. Learning Now-An open letter about cyberbullying was a bit more formal, but the responses seemed to be informal. Everyone has an opinion and most of the replies here were in agreement with the initial blogger. This article was in response to an article in "WIRED" that apparently attacked a group of bloggers discussing dealing with bullies. I think it gave the responders the chance to say what was on their mind without the fear of being verbally attached, so to speak. It was easy to read, and didn't lose you with technical terminology. I think it could facilitate learning due to the "safe environment" for the bloggers to respond.

Patrick's update- 5th grade- was heart-wrenching. This blog allowed a 5th grader to share his feelings in an environment where it was safe. Safe from ridicule from siblings and peers. It also gave others the opportunity to cheer him own and hopefully help his self-esteem. The grammar wasn't always correct, nor the spelling, but no one pointed that out to him. They only cheered him on and encouraged him to continue to try his best. I think these positive comments could help Patrick and his quest to pass. The bloggers' comments were simple to read, and on the level the 5th grader could understand.

Dy/dan Why I don't assign homework - was a bit more technical. Some of the terminology and thoughts would be more attuned to adult teachers than to students. The participants appeared to be educators and possible professional adults. With the audience the blogger was attempting to reach, I understand the more formal writing.

Thing #2

Web 2.0 and its role in the 21st Century teaching and learning is evident to me, after reading the information on learning statistics in our country and others. I was amazed that the United States was not at least equal in education to other countries. We seem to be out of date to the changing times. With all we have access to, through the internet, it appears we need to access the tools and bring ourselves to the forefront.
My interest was peaked regarding the use of blogs and podcasts in the classrooms. Having little knowledge of either tool, it was interesting reading the ways teachers shared not only their lessons and classroom activities, but also their use in co-operative learning.
I do have questions regarding problems in the classroom of off-task learning, but we all know that is a problem we all face at one time or another.
In ICT, we do two research papers a year. I believe these tools might be beneficial in gathering information for these projects.
I also believe it is imperative we use all tools accessible, to help our students become digital learners. The internet is a tool that will be used by students and adults alike, and we all should access all learning tools available to succeed.

Thing #1

After reading the 7 1/2 Habits of Effective Lifelong Learners, I considered the questions which were asked.
I. Probably the most challenging for me will be:
To use technology to my advantage.
I feel confident in simple technology tasks. I know how to e-mail, use Word, and even a little Excel, but I don't understand the newer tools. I know nothing of blogging, wiki, etc.
I'm also a bit concerned regarding my confidence in myself with this particular learning. I do feel I am a lifelong learner. Each day in class, I not only teach things, but learn things. I am an avid reader and love learning new things, but when it comes to technology, I often feel inept, and often become frustrated.
II. The easiest habit for me :
I feel I can set the goal of learning the 23 things and stay on task until they are completed.
III. The most important habit will be:
Creating my tool box and learning what tools I have access to regarding the internet. I believe I will learn more about implementing tools into my classroom teaching, and being more aware of learning tools I have access to for enriching my profession.

Way outta my league

While reading about blogs, podcasts, etc., my mind reflected on previous knowledge of technology, and I suddenly realized...........I am WAY outta my league here. Sure, I have email, and I can access websites, and I can even "search" through google and yahoo, however, when I hear blogs, podcasts, wiki, etc., I have no clue what you're talking about.
Now that I've enrolled in a course which will teach me about these different technological tools, my twenty-three year old daughter informs me: "Mom, that's been around forever.....".
So how in the world did I miss these things? As I stated, I use the internet daily.....e-mailing, reading the newspaper on the internet, searching for information, etc.
I find myself embarking on a whole new journey, and I'm excited to learn about these new tools, but I'm also a bit nervous.