What a great way to share teaching ideas, teaching tools and techniques, interesting projects. The one video that caught my attention was from TeacherTube. This middle school social studies class project was A-1.
Didn't they do a super job! Bravo and well done!
The other thing that come to mind is teachers sharing how to use media in their teaching. We all learn from one another. VoiceThread is a new innovative and interactive media that can be class shared. Two classes from two districts can learn from the same lesson, and post comments (discussion, really:)). How cool!
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Friday, February 13, 2009
RSS, i gueSS
We are so accustom to a set of steps and using them in a certain way that when something really innovative comes along, it initially is hard to adjust to the new order of things. Only a few years ago, say eight, most people who used computers filed or downloaded their hard drive files on to a CD. They bookmarked well used web sites onto a Favorites file. And then came along Google and revolutionized (once again) the way people use the internet.
Okay, it’s simple. It puts all your RSS compatible feeds (we used to call them web sites) on to an easy memory board (space on the left). It saves people time and trouble of searching through their Favorite files. I guess it’s a good thing. I just get used to going to Favorites, and then Yahoo comes along and calls it “Bookmark.” I just hope the guy(s) [and gals] who work this stuff up get paid very well for aggravating my life on the internet.
I live in Downeast Maine. The one thing the natives love to do is aggravate people, especially tourists (like when they ask for directions, they send them down the wrong road). “You can’t get theah from h’yah. Ayah.” But, what aggravates them is breaking their routine to do something new. Don’t they hate that. When one of them was asked why he didn’t use the internet, he retorted, “Too aggravatin’!” Finally, something that aggravates the aggravator. Sorta makes up for all theah aggravations. Huh!
Well RSS feeds and readers are very useful. Just one moah dang bustin’ thing to get used to.
Okay, it’s simple. It puts all your RSS compatible feeds (we used to call them web sites) on to an easy memory board (space on the left). It saves people time and trouble of searching through their Favorite files. I guess it’s a good thing. I just get used to going to Favorites, and then Yahoo comes along and calls it “Bookmark.” I just hope the guy(s) [and gals] who work this stuff up get paid very well for aggravating my life on the internet.
I live in Downeast Maine. The one thing the natives love to do is aggravate people, especially tourists (like when they ask for directions, they send them down the wrong road). “You can’t get theah from h’yah. Ayah.” But, what aggravates them is breaking their routine to do something new. Don’t they hate that. When one of them was asked why he didn’t use the internet, he retorted, “Too aggravatin’!” Finally, something that aggravates the aggravator. Sorta makes up for all theah aggravations. Huh!
Well RSS feeds and readers are very useful. Just one moah dang bustin’ thing to get used to.
Cheers,
Yosemite
Thursday, February 12, 2009
A Blog?!?
“What’s a blog?” you say. Some just roll their eyes and give some sort of paraphrased definition like, “Oh, its what the kids do when they’re bored.” Or, some might say, “I don’t know that much about it, but the kids think it’s really neat. Isn’t it like MySpace?” One teacher colleague said, “It’s a form of online communication between two or more people. It can be a very positive means of expression when used in the right channels.”
I liked what Jen Carbonneau said in her blog: “Blablablablablablog.”
It seems to me that most of American society has misconceptions about it. My own definition comes from an American heritage point of view: It’s a way to exercise our First Amendment rights as defined in the First Amendment of the United States Constitution. It is a way to show the rest of the world how our form of government works; a government “of the people, by the people, and for the people.”
So, I’m going to give Paul Ambrose’s blog tutorial a try. Here goes the Wildman.
Of course, a blog has been around for over 100 years. It may be in another form, but it was and is a form of telecommunication. Here is a 100 year old blog machine.
This 1901 Kellogg telephone rests in the historical White House, Columbia, Maine.
I liked what Jen Carbonneau said in her blog: “Blablablablablablog.”
It seems to me that most of American society has misconceptions about it. My own definition comes from an American heritage point of view: It’s a way to exercise our First Amendment rights as defined in the First Amendment of the United States Constitution. It is a way to show the rest of the world how our form of government works; a government “of the people, by the people, and for the people.”
So, I’m going to give Paul Ambrose’s blog tutorial a try. Here goes the Wildman.
Of course, a blog has been around for over 100 years. It may be in another form, but it was and is a form of telecommunication. Here is a 100 year old blog machine.
This 1901 Kellogg telephone rests in the historical White House, Columbia, Maine.
Monday, February 9, 2009
First and Second Thoughts
My first thoughts of this course were how it might help me teach history better. As most of you know, the better a student learns, the better he/she is prepared for the world in which they will be engaged in their future. Their future will undoubtedly involve the use of computers.
Karl Fisch’s video was a real eye opener. Reviewing it, yet again, just blows me away with the responsibility teachers have to engage the learner in some kind of computer networking skills. The modern generation is flexible enough to learn, unlearn, and relearn methods and applications. I remember the IBM monitor and keyboard (we only had one) in our high school that was connected to the massive computer at the University of Maine. A code was needed to boot it up, and all us nerdy kids had access. We only used it for games.
When I started work, (in the early 80’s) I learned how to log on to an IBM computer, access my files and write up reports. When the company switched over to Apple computers I had to relearn how to boot up the Apple II, file documents, run the screen, etc. Then they upgraded to Mac’s, which wasn’t much of a relearn, but I still had to learn how to set up spreadsheets, and run a database. The memory of those PC’s didn’t allow for much more than documents, spreadsheets, and a database. I wasn’t lucky enough to get email. I stuck with my Mac through the 90’s until its memory crashed. Then I had to get a cheap Brother PC that lacked the capabilities of the Mac but was functional. Yet another relearn, because the Brother PC’s didn’t have a mouse, just arrows, and a bunch of command codes.The real break through was in 2002 when we got our first computer with Microsoft Windows (98 with upgrades) that had email Outlook. Wow, another relearn. And, email came easy because I had recently worked with it for a company that had Windows 98 and 2000. Communication barriers came crashing down, even if it was dial-up.
I know students who actually resist this. Their socio-economic background opposes internet use. As crazy as it may seem, I live in a backward pocket of modern American society where in some situations, internet use is looked down upon. As a matter of fact, the town I live in opposed the installation of cable 30 years ago. Now, the only internet connection is slow dial-up. I’m lucky enough to live along the main highway where cable was installed. High speed cable is soooo nice.
I don’t think we ever unlearn the computer systems of the past. I picked up an old operational Mac, once that still ran like new. It was amazing how I remembered how to run the thing. But, its capabilities were limited for what I had progressed to. It was nice, but I eventually boxed it up. I eventually passed it on to a youngster that thinks it’s the greatest thing since sliced bread. He’ll, one day, upgrade and the unlearning and relearning process will come around again. Just wait till he gets to a computer class in high school, or college. He’ll have lots of fun when he discovers blogging and social networking.
School 2.0
After reviewing the School 2.0 web site, I was struck with two things. I’m glad to see that there is a model for network teaching that will facilitate the new technology. But, I’m kind of sad to see old models and methods of teaching left by the wayside.
Why am I sad and a little frightened? Well, face it, I’m an old guy trying to learn new tricks. Some of what I learned in teaching methods is now obsolete. I’m a progressive learner and teacher. I love teaching with audio and visual aids. Stuff that’s tangible and I know where it is. It’s in my library, my file cabinet, my cubby, or in my closet. It may be old, and somewhat faded, but it works, especially for visual learners, which constitutes 60% of most schools’ student enrollment.
As a social studies teacher, I rely on this stuff, and I know my colleagues feel the same way. Plus, we’ve spent a lot of our own money to build up this library and files of video tapes and DVD’s, outside reading articles, poster photos, maps, facsimiles of artifacts (not to mention genuine artifacts), and other learning materials. I know of a history teacher that has an English translation of Mao’s Little Red Book. He uses it as a demonstration artifact from the Chinese Cultural Revolution.
I think School 2.0 is great, but what happens when the technology just doesn’t work (or doesn’t want to)J. What happens when the system goes down? And, it does break down. The progressive teaching methods and materials I mentioned do not have computer freezes, system failures, or long delayed reboots. My advice would be to hold on to the “hard copy” and use it in emergencies. But, beyond that, bring out the artifacts when appropriate.
Kids loved, and still love, hands on learning of history or any subject. They love the technology too, because it’s fast. Who doesn’t like fast information? A kid has a problem, goes to the internet and “boom” he/she has the answer. Marvelous! But, isn’t it kind of unrealistic?
Life’s problems are not always (if ever) answered by a Google search. Are we setting up kids for unrealistic expectations of life by directing them onto fast internet solutions? I think we are. I believe in hard core research. With a senior project, there should be a minimum of internet sources and a lot more library sources. Call me old-fashioned, but I think kids need to WORK for their grade, and some book research won’t kill them.
It’s great to have the School 2.0 model for networking education in the 21st century, but let’s not cast aside everything progressive educators have worked hard for. Maps, visual aids, and books are still a good thing.
Why am I sad and a little frightened? Well, face it, I’m an old guy trying to learn new tricks. Some of what I learned in teaching methods is now obsolete. I’m a progressive learner and teacher. I love teaching with audio and visual aids. Stuff that’s tangible and I know where it is. It’s in my library, my file cabinet, my cubby, or in my closet. It may be old, and somewhat faded, but it works, especially for visual learners, which constitutes 60% of most schools’ student enrollment.
As a social studies teacher, I rely on this stuff, and I know my colleagues feel the same way. Plus, we’ve spent a lot of our own money to build up this library and files of video tapes and DVD’s, outside reading articles, poster photos, maps, facsimiles of artifacts (not to mention genuine artifacts), and other learning materials. I know of a history teacher that has an English translation of Mao’s Little Red Book. He uses it as a demonstration artifact from the Chinese Cultural Revolution.
I think School 2.0 is great, but what happens when the technology just doesn’t work (or doesn’t want to)J. What happens when the system goes down? And, it does break down. The progressive teaching methods and materials I mentioned do not have computer freezes, system failures, or long delayed reboots. My advice would be to hold on to the “hard copy” and use it in emergencies. But, beyond that, bring out the artifacts when appropriate.
Kids loved, and still love, hands on learning of history or any subject. They love the technology too, because it’s fast. Who doesn’t like fast information? A kid has a problem, goes to the internet and “boom” he/she has the answer. Marvelous! But, isn’t it kind of unrealistic?
Life’s problems are not always (if ever) answered by a Google search. Are we setting up kids for unrealistic expectations of life by directing them onto fast internet solutions? I think we are. I believe in hard core research. With a senior project, there should be a minimum of internet sources and a lot more library sources. Call me old-fashioned, but I think kids need to WORK for their grade, and some book research won’t kill them.
It’s great to have the School 2.0 model for networking education in the 21st century, but let’s not cast aside everything progressive educators have worked hard for. Maps, visual aids, and books are still a good thing.
Sunday, February 8, 2009
This course UP to Now
Well, it was bound to happen sooner or later. I knew that somewhere, in this course I’d get stuck and fall behind. Well, it’s happened. I feel like the proverbial spinning tire in a snow bank. Have you ever been there? If you’ve lived any length of time in the Northern Kingdom of New England the snow bank demon will getcha. Back up to far, and you’ll get hung-up or drop off in a snow hidden ditch. That’s when the fun begins. Spin, spin, spin. Hear those tire treads whine. Rock back-and-forth. Don’t back up too much! You’ll get stuck even worse.
The fun really happens when some buddies come by and try to help. When you’re in college everyone tries to help. They don’t really know you, but everyone’s your buddy when you’re in distress on campus. Remember when…. Yeah, team! Or, man, you’re really stuuuuck. I remember those days. Most of the time I got out pretty good, with a little help from my college “buddies.”
I drove my grandparents 1973 Olds 98 to the University of Maine to and from home. It was a beast to drive, and heaven help you if you got stuck. One time, when I backed into a snow bank, it took four guys to get me out. The car was built like a tank (445 Rocket engine), but couldn’t get it out. I could smell the rubber getting toasty on the slick, icy pavement. My “buddies” got me rocking back-and-forth, and it finally broke free. That was nice of those guys. I hope they all found fulfilling lives, and each live in a warm comfortable house somewhere – warm - like Florida or Hawaii (California is too congested and full of nincompoops anyway).
I should know. My brother lives out there. No, he’s not a nincompoop, but he says it sure is crowded – more crowded than say, Old Orchard Beach on the Fourth of July, or Rockland during the Lobster (say lobstah) Festival. Ayah!
Well, I am stuck looking for a college buddy or two to help me out. You see, I’m really not a computer major. I’m a heritage studies major, and I took this course to help fill my electives. Besides, I’m a bit of a throw back. I still own a typewriter; a Brother XP210 (or something like that).
I’ll bet you’ve got one stored away collecting dust in the back of your closet. And, I’ll bet it’s lonely… back there, alone… sitting in the dark… crying, and yearning to just be taken out and told “Hello.” A neglected communication machine is a terrible thing to be ignored. Just think of all the papers it got you through high school and college (well, part way). And, what happened? A cutesy, little Mac came by and said, “Hello” and that was the end of a beautiful relationship with that typewriter. Shame, shame. Now, your kids won’t even go near it. So, give old technology a second chance on life. Donate it to “Good Will” or a thrift store. Go ahead. Make some elderly person’s day. But, before you do, give it a hug, and tell it… whatever.
Now, where was I before all that euphemism. Okay, I’m a lot like my grandparent’s 1973 Olds 98. Aside from the size… I’m just not up on the latest techno-cology. Like one furnace repairman told me, before he started working on the furnace, “I know enough to be dangerous.” That’s scary!
Okay, I get what a pod cast is, but my computer says that it already has Audacity installed. Oh yeah, where? I’ve looked at all my files. Nothing. Is it in Media Player or MovieMaker? If I had a hammer and a screwdriver, I bet I’d find it. Don’t be so aghast! I’ll bet you’ve felt
the same way too, when trying to figure out this dang stuff.
And, how in the heck do you download a video off YouTube to put it on your dang-busted blog? #$@^&*! And what in the world is encrypt (YouTube lingo). I need a dad-burn techno-dictionary to understand this stuff. Arrrrgh! A Yosemitee Sam clip art would be a good cut-and-paste right here. Dang-busted galute! Don’t have one. I’ll find one and edit later.
The fun really happens when some buddies come by and try to help. When you’re in college everyone tries to help. They don’t really know you, but everyone’s your buddy when you’re in distress on campus. Remember when…. Yeah, team! Or, man, you’re really stuuuuck. I remember those days. Most of the time I got out pretty good, with a little help from my college “buddies.”
I drove my grandparents 1973 Olds 98 to the University of Maine to and from home. It was a beast to drive, and heaven help you if you got stuck. One time, when I backed into a snow bank, it took four guys to get me out. The car was built like a tank (445 Rocket engine), but couldn’t get it out. I could smell the rubber getting toasty on the slick, icy pavement. My “buddies” got me rocking back-and-forth, and it finally broke free. That was nice of those guys. I hope they all found fulfilling lives, and each live in a warm comfortable house somewhere – warm - like Florida or Hawaii (California is too congested and full of nincompoops anyway).
I should know. My brother lives out there. No, he’s not a nincompoop, but he says it sure is crowded – more crowded than say, Old Orchard Beach on the Fourth of July, or Rockland during the Lobster (say lobstah) Festival. Ayah!
Well, I am stuck looking for a college buddy or two to help me out. You see, I’m really not a computer major. I’m a heritage studies major, and I took this course to help fill my electives. Besides, I’m a bit of a throw back. I still own a typewriter; a Brother XP210 (or something like that).
I’ll bet you’ve got one stored away collecting dust in the back of your closet. And, I’ll bet it’s lonely… back there, alone… sitting in the dark… crying, and yearning to just be taken out and told “Hello.” A neglected communication machine is a terrible thing to be ignored. Just think of all the papers it got you through high school and college (well, part way). And, what happened? A cutesy, little Mac came by and said, “Hello” and that was the end of a beautiful relationship with that typewriter. Shame, shame. Now, your kids won’t even go near it. So, give old technology a second chance on life. Donate it to “Good Will” or a thrift store. Go ahead. Make some elderly person’s day. But, before you do, give it a hug, and tell it… whatever.
Now, where was I before all that euphemism. Okay, I’m a lot like my grandparent’s 1973 Olds 98. Aside from the size… I’m just not up on the latest techno-cology. Like one furnace repairman told me, before he started working on the furnace, “I know enough to be dangerous.” That’s scary!
Okay, I get what a pod cast is, but my computer says that it already has Audacity installed. Oh yeah, where? I’ve looked at all my files. Nothing. Is it in Media Player or MovieMaker? If I had a hammer and a screwdriver, I bet I’d find it. Don’t be so aghast! I’ll bet you’ve felt
the same way too, when trying to figure out this dang stuff.And, how in the heck do you download a video off YouTube to put it on your dang-busted blog? #$@^&*! And what in the world is encrypt (YouTube lingo). I need a dad-burn techno-dictionary to understand this stuff. Arrrrgh! A Yosemitee Sam clip art would be a good cut-and-paste right here. Dang-busted galute! Don’t have one. I’ll find one and edit later.
Hey, I found one! Good old Sam, the Hessian, I-am.
Well, that felt better. Don’t be alarmed. I’m just letting off steam. I should apologize to anyone this may offend. We have so many “it’s my right to have issues” people out there. I meant no defamation of character, or harm. Peace.:)
Saturday, February 7, 2009
+connectivism+
Siemens wrote, “Connections provide the greatest value when they generate a certain type of content for the learner. It is not content in general that we want. We want content that is current, relevant, and contextually appropriate.” Learners deserve this.
Why, then, do teachers continue to educate learners using archaic methods. Teachers owe it to learners to use current and relevant methods and materials. Teaching methods are constantly evaluated and updated. It is not enough, as Siemens wrote, to “fill the learner with content and release them into the corporate world.”
These were good videos about connectivism.
Why, then, do teachers continue to educate learners using archaic methods. Teachers owe it to learners to use current and relevant methods and materials. Teaching methods are constantly evaluated and updated. It is not enough, as Siemens wrote, to “fill the learner with content and release them into the corporate world.”
These were good videos about connectivism.
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