Podcast Reflection #11: Tech Chick Tips #84

First, the chicks discuss an article from macworld.com about angry birds and its correlation to technology. Basically, if you don't use technology, you can't learn how to incorporate it further into life. The same goes for technology and education. Basically, if you don't allow students to use technological resources in the classroom, they'll never understand how to use it and its importance in the world we live in. Trial and error is the foundation not only with the game but with technology. Also, they mention that there is more than 1 way to win (the game and technology.) Our technology teacher always says, "There is NOT JUST ONE WAY to do what we are doing." Similarly, there is more than one way to defeat the game and there are tons of way to arrive at a destination when using technology. Haven't heard of/played angry birds? Check out this website!

Podcast Reflection #10: K-12 Online Conference: ERACISM

The project discussed in this podcast was Eracism. This new word, made up of two other words, (erase and racism) means to erase racism. This project was created by students all over the world using new technological tools such as voicethread to make the debates seem synchronous. Instead of just using text only to discuss issues, students were able to record debates about issues and receive the information that way. They also used Diigo to have the students collectively store their research and their resources. They designed their own protocols and formats as to how the debates were designed and run.

I thought this was a great way for students all over the world to connect with each other, discuss issues, and find solutions without ever having met. In today's world, technology enables us to collaborate with so many people with so many different talents to work on finding solutions to pressing issues. As I've stated in other reflections, I firmly believe that my generation is responsible for learning as much as we can for and with our students to grow in education, technology, and as active participants in life.

Podcast Reflection #8: EdTechWeekly #190

This presentation focused on twitter. The pros and cons of twitter are discussed. One con that is brought up is that parents are sometimes intimidated and hesitant to join twitter. It is a fairly new tool and parents may find it confusing and unnecessary if they already use other communication tools such as email or text messages. On the other hand, there is a feature on twitter that allows people to receives text messages of any tweets made by the persons they follow. The eliminates the needs to always "check" twitter to see if any news has come up. People who are not addicted to checking social media sites during the day may not benefit from updates if they are not notified that they have happened.

Persuading educators to use these mediums such as twitter to be a part of the technological age and the education community is a concern. Using twitter as a resource as opposed to a communication device to open the lines of communication with parents could be persuasive. Teachers can "follow" people they don't necessarily know, but have more knowledge or insight into topics that are interesting/relevant to them.

Personally, I think it is important for my generation of up-and-coming teachers to become involved and informed about technology and its use in the classroom. Students are different kinds of learners than they were 50, even 15 years ago. Technology has advanced; we must advance our teaching styles and strategies to match.

Podcast Reflection #9: Salman Kahn: Let's Use Video to Reinvent Education

As I watched Salman Kahn speak about humanizing the classroom through technology, I was inspired. I love the idea that students can go their speed and review the material as they please with his system. His views on mastering skills and filling in the "swiss cheese" gaps in the foundations of information are innovative and I agree whole-heartedly. I like the way he advocates repetition. And he is for repetition not just for the sake of repetition. I feel that Kahn realizes that you have to learn things in school just as you learn to do any other skill such as riding a bike. This is the future of technology and its place in the education system. Everyone should view Salman Kahn talking about the future of education.

http://www.ted.com/talks/salman_khan_let_s_use_video_to_reinvent_education.html