Week4 Publishing/Leadership Project Link

Publishing/Leadership Project Link

Just click the above link.

Week4 Publishing/Leadership project Part 3 of 3

I believe I would like to Publish in either Tech Trends or Edutopia. These two site seem to be able to the information in my Action research to where it is needed most.

Week4 Publishing/Leadership project Part 2 of 3

After looking through the choices, I looked through Edutopia and found that is a very useful and resource site to which continues to try and improve education through knowledge.
also Educational Computing Research
and Learning and Leading with Technology
and Last TechTrends
all these would be a good choice as to where to publish. I find my self leaning towards TechTrends, because i believe is only a matter of time before the look of a classroom will change.

Wk4 Publishing/Leadership project Part 1 of 3

I would like to be publish where my research will do the most. Many times people tend to forget that education is meant to evolve with the times. As students change it is our responsibility to alter our classrooms to be able to engage our youth. I would like to publish my presentation in Linking Research and Practice to Improve Learning.Because if we can't improve learning through our research and practice then the future of this world will be stuck in the past.

Week 4 The Art Of Possibility 10-12

I told you it wasn’t about you. Have you been able to tap into the power of combining your expertise and passions with someone equally gifted? Have you had the pleasure of lifting a teammate, student or stranger up enabling them to realize their dreams and exceed anything that you could have imagined?

As I read this chapter I realized that life is a WE story. People tend to assume that their actions only affect one person but in fact we are all connected. We are all part of one super-machine and in order for this machine to work all it’s parts must work towards the same goal. I remember when I first told my father that I was getting married. That had to be the first time I realized that the ME, in my life, would no longer be. He gave me some of the best advice ever. He told me that as the man of the house, you are truly just a servant. I was confused at the time, because my mother has always catered to my dad and as far as can remember when ever my father spoke everyone listened. “How are you a servant, dad?” I asked. He then explained the reason why my mother always listened to him and my brothers and sisters always respected and loved him was because he never acted alone. I never made any decisions for us as a hole without our best interest in mind. As the head of the of the house, sure I can do frivolous things with our money or even do irresponsible things as a man, but then, WE as a whole will not progress or even survive. If I don’t keep in mind what is best for us, then my family will forsake me. For example, I have always wanted a new sports car, something fast and small, but there are seven of us, so I got us a mini-van instead. Another example is when me and your mother go grocery shopping, I love steak and shrimp, but because buying steak and shrimp will probable only feed us for a few days, under our monthly grocery budget, we settle for chicken and pork. Some decisions are harder than others but in order to be a true leader you must follow.
The story of WE was very moving, especially since I have a family of my own now and find myself converting ME into WE and I into US.

So to answer the question above, as to whether I have been able to “lift a teammate, student or stranger up enabling them to realize their dreams and exceed anything that you could have imagined, the answer is No, but I have been able to lift my family and move forward as one cohesive unit.

Sarah Hodge Blog:

I saw this today and just loved it. I know with many of you who have children, there hasn’t been a lot of time to do the things you had hoped for. With this program coming to an end, perhaps some of the things in this video will give you ideas and inspire you to strengthen your relationships.

Comment on Sarah's Blog:

I simply don't understand how people refuse to be there for their children. Children are just an extension of you and if u choose not to be part of their lives, the one that truly is hurt by this are the innocent children that fill our world and make up our lives.

Thourn Heng's Blog:

Currently I am leaning towards publishing because one of the links provided for us deals with publishing exactly what I did for my Action Research. My action dealt with using using technology as a means to completing homework. It was more about how to implement blogging as an educational tool more that if it increased student achievements. So, currently I am trying to contact Educational Technology Research and Development (ETR&D) get my work published.

There is still a possibility that I might do "share and tell." That is more my style than publishing, but I'll see if I can find any conference that deals with the research I did.

Comment on Thourn Heng's Blog:

Homework its something that is important practice and if we as educator give up on it, what will be next? No test or quizzes. Working in an alternative school, homework is not allowed to hurt our student's grades. I feel so powerless sometimes. I say Publish it.

Choice Week 3! if I Controlled the Internet!

Think of the possibilities, if you controlled the Internet. Really Think about it, What would you do?

Week 3 The Art Of Possibility 7-9

The Way Things Are: Sometimes settling for the way things are is a lowering of expectations, sometimes it’s finding a starting point so that one can make things better. Where are you in this continuum?
While reading this chapter I began to smile, then laugh or as Zander would call it, “Cosmic Laugh” because my laughter filled the room. The reason for my laughter was because I spend almost the entire month of July on vacation and out of 20 days that my wife and I were on vacation 13 of them were blessed with rain. I now say blessed because this chapter thought me about, “presence without resistance,” but at the time of the rain my words were a bit more explicit. Even though I spend so much money to go on this vacation and barely was able enjoy it, I look back and chuckle because if it weren’t for those rainy days, I probably would not have finished my Literature Review on Time. So when asked where am I in this continuum? My answer is I am right where I need to be and doing exactly what I am meant to be doing.

Giving Way to Passion: Control says that the only way to avoid disappointment and frustration is to not care at all. No hits, no runs, but most importantly, no errors. What are you doing in your daily life that expresses your passion or the things you are passionate about?
On the first day of all my classes, I ask my students to stand up and reach up as far as they can. I allow then to reach for a few seconds then tell them to put their hands down. After they seem relaxed, I ask them to reach even further than before. They all then start to reach and their efforts, without question, are more intense than before. No matter how high you reach you can always reach a little further. The lesson behind that is very similar to the BTFI point as explained by Zander. Many times people need to reach the point of no return in order to reach their full potential. Although it may seem terrifying and extremely risky, with the proper guidance it can be incredible and a privileged to witness.


Sarah Hodge’s Blog:

These three chapters were very enlightening and inspiring. After reading, I realized my need to focus more on the positive aspects of life. The following are quotes that impacted me in a positive way and my thoughts on them.

“When we dislike a situation, we tend to put all our attention on how things should be rather than how they are” (Zander & Zander, p.104, 2000).
I am very guilty of this! I am a woman with a plan and when things do not go as planned I have a tendency to think back as to what went wrong. I dwell on it when it is completely unnecessary because there is absolutely nothing I can do to change it. After reading this chapter, I realized the need to learn to accept circumstances and situations instead of dwelling on them. And then, move forward and look at the numerous possibilities that lay ahead. I think we are also guilty of this in education. Speaking for myself, I can recall times of me complaining how it should be instead of developing a solution and implementing it in my own classroom. I am going to try to focus more on what things I can do, instead of complaining about the way things are.

“Often, the person in the group who articulates the possible is dismissed as a dreamer or as a Pollyanna persisting in a simplistic “glass half-full” kind of optimism. The naysayers pride themselves on their supposed realism. However, it is actually the people who see the glass as “half-empty” who are the ones wedded to a fiction, for “emptiness” and “lack,” are abstractions of the mind, whereas “half-full” is a measure of the physical reality under discussion. The so-called optimist, then, is the only one attending to real things, the only one describing a substance that is actually in the glass” (Zander & Zander, p.119, 2000).
I absolutely love this perspective on the glass of water. I can recall times in which I looked at the optimist as ignorant and ill experienced. Since then, my eyes have been opened. The optimist is able to see and have a vision of possible things to come. Whereas, the pessimist, or the one who sees the glass half empty, spends their time dwelling on things of no substance. This goes back to the idea of being a problem solver. It is so easy to dwell on the problem and everything wrong with what is going on whether in education or in life in general. However, the person who spends their time implementing and suggesting solutions is open to new possibilities and a new way of life. I would rather move in the direction of my vision than be stuck in the mud of dwelling on things of no existence.

“Downward spiraling is everywhere about us and it is so easy to fall into the habit of thinking that way” (Zander & Zander, p.132, 2000).
This visual brought everything together! It seems everything around us is pointing in the downward spiraling direction. When watching the news, I often feel this way. However, the picture he drew of the circle with arrows pointing in all different directions gave light to my thoughts and a new perspective for my future. In a more personal approach, I have found myself beating myself up in a way. For example, when things went wrong or not as planned in my life, I would dwell on it and convince myself of the many reasons why it went downhill. But with this new vision of the circle, the lines, and the many possibilities, life doesn’t have to be that way! When problems arise, or when unexpected occurrences take place, it just means that there are ten times, if not more, possibilities of new outcomes and new adventures ahead. I have been looking at it wrong this entire time. There is no one arrow in life pointing either up or down. There are multiple arrows and we get to choose our destination. And even then, our life journey continues and more arrows of possibility arise. It is amazing! I guess I used to look at life like the game Candyland, where there was only one road and depending on the card you chose, you would either move forward or backwards. But life is not that way. There are many roads. And depending on the card (or arrow) we choose, it just takes us to a different path, to meet different people, and to have different experiences that minister to our understanding and shape us into the person we are to become.



Comment on Sarah Hodge’s Blog:
One of things I dislike doing is not listening to my elders. As I grew up my parents made it a point to embed this in to my soul. I am the youngest teacher in the building, every teacher surrounding me has been teaching for at least a dozen years. I struggle introducing new things to these veteran educators, especially when they tell me, this too shall pass. I realize now why they call them veteran teachers, is because they all have war stories that validate their ability to teach, but the problem is not teaching, but rather their reluctance to change with the times. Their view of education is a downward spiral.

Joe Huber’s Blog:

BTFI: Beyond the F*&% It.

With the return to school and the inevitable horror of planning week, I had the opportunity to express many FI moments. What I am particularly enjoying about the Zanders' book is how every time I pick it up to read it, it pertains to what is happening in my professional life. I had originally intended to get all of my reading done and finished so that I could focus on the publishing aspect of my final project, but procrastination got in the way. I have a difficult time doing anything when I'm given too much time. In the case of the readings, it worked as I've read each chapter at the most apropos moment.

I am the first to admit that I let planning week get too far under my skin. I do not work well with adults, and find that I'm better suited to conversation with my students than my colleagues. In fact, one of the big sticking points this year is the loss of our block schedule. Personally I don't care whether or not we have traditional or block, and most of the studies on either are told from the adult point of view. Our vote on the topic was last year, and the bitter arguments surrounding that time period still ring fresh in my mind. I had a FI moment, mostly due to my apathy on the subject, and created a BTFI moment when I told my students about the vote and asked them what they preferred. It would directly impact them, so in the absence of a strong feeling on my part, I let them be the deciding factor. I announced this to one of my team members this week, who now is confused as to why the opinion of the students matter so much to me. This is another BTFI moment in the making; it's too early to see how it will play out.

I decided yesterday that I've had my FI moments, now it is time to work towards the BTFI moments. I am going to teach like I'm balancing on one buttock and take those risks again. It seems like every 1st week back with just the staff produces a plethora of FI moments; it's the prospect of BTFI moments that makes me love my job.

Comment on Joe Huber’s Blog:

Planning ahead is definitely not my strong suit. I find myself not being able to work unless it has to get done; I always fine ten other things I would rather do. I think that the BTFI moments that we come across and witness are not appreciated or recognized any more. For instance when watching sports or a musical or acting performance, we no longer acknowledge these moments, it’s almost like we expect them. Students may come across these moments much more often than we think but we are too busy grading and judging them to notice them.

Choice Week 2! Wear Sunscreen!

I show this video to all my students. I think the advice offered here is timeless, and inspiring.

Week 2 The Art Of Possibility 4-6

This book continues to put a smile on my face, so many things that are said in this book, I sometimes feel like they are directly related to me. For example, the starfish story at the beginning of chapter 4:

“Strolling along the edge of the sea, a man catches sight of a young woman who appears to be engaged in a ritual dance. She stoops down, then straightens to her full height, casting her arm out in an arc. Drawing closer, he sees that the beach around her is littered with starfish, and she is throwing them one by one into the sea. He lightly mocks her: “There are stranded starfish as far as the eye can see, for miles up the beach. What difference can saving a few of them possibly make?” Smiling, she bends down and once more tosses a starfish out over the water, saying serenely, “It certainly makes a difference to this one.” (Zander & Zander, 2000, p. 55)

This story reminds me of the children that I work with in the Alternative school, it seems hopeless at times but as long as there is at least one child willing to learn, I will continue to teach.

“How will I be a contribution today?” (Zander & Zander, 2000, p. 57)
It’s a great way to change the game, trying to live up to other people’s expectations and or assumptions can be eternally taxing on your mind, body and soul. That is why I think that contributing to live without worrying about achievements it’s an excellent way to look at this game called life.

Some people see the glass half-full others see the glass half-empty and then there a few that don’t even see the glass, the gifts and blessing that the universe has in store for us can never be acknowledged unless, you as a contributor accept them.

Four young men sit by the bedside of their dying father, The old man, with his last breath, tells them there is a huge treasure buried in the family fields. The sons crowd around him crying, “Where, Where?” But it is too late. The day after the funeral and for many days to come, the young men go out with their picks and shovels and turn the soil, digging deeply into the ground from one end of each filed to the other. They find nothing and, bitterly disappointed, abandon the search.
The next season the farm has its best harvest ever. (Zander & Zander, 2000, p. 65)


Rule number 6; “don’t take yourself so goddam seriously.” I loved the fact that the rule of six consists on only one rule, this goes to show you that it’s all invented and it’s all up to perception.

Reference
Zander, R.S., & Zander, B. (2000). The art of possibility. Boston, MA: Harvard Business School Press.

Thourn Heng’s Blog:

“How much greatness are we willing to grant people?” (p.73)

To answer this question from the reading, we need to give the people we teach, coach, lead, and/or conduct a voice. Good leaders are good listeners who are not afraid to admit when they are at fault. When followers see that their leader is not too proud to admit when they are wrong, they see the humility of that leader. A humble leader is not always directing his or her subordinates. He or she must also be a good listener and give their followers a chance to express what they observe through their eyes. Keeping an open mind is what keeps a good leader from being clouded by the things they experience and perceive. Also, good leaders let someone else shine a different light on the same situation.

When I start school, I set the expectation for my student’s behaviors. But, what we often do not allow is an opportunity for students to voice their opinion on how teachers should behave and educate. I do this exercise with my students at the end of the first semester because they have gotten a feel for my personality and teaching style. So, I developed this extra credit survey for my students with four simple questions. They are as follow:

What were two things that Coach2win did well last semester? Why was it good?
What are two things that Coach2win can do better? How can he improve, give him some suggestions?
What were two things you did well last semester in Coach2win’s class? Why was it good?
What are two things you can do better this upcoming semester? How can you improve?

Basically this survey boils down to how can improve as an educator and how can they improve as students. Giving my students this chance to evaluate me is the same as the Zander allowing his musicians to write on the blank notepaper. When the people we lead get to voice their opinions openly and freely, we all learn something. We learn about our self and the people we lead. That is how we grant people greatness, through listening to their suggestions.

Comment on Thourn Heng’s Blog:

My father once told me that to be a great lead you must understand and accept that you are truly just a servant. I never quite understood this till now, that I have a family. I am the head of my house but the reason why my wife and baby allow me to be the leader is because they trust I will do what’s best for them not just me. So whenever I make any decisions I always make sure that my family comes first.
2win you use a similar process in your class the only difference is that you also put some of the responsibility to lead on your students, I think its very productive idea how you have them fill out a survey. Wanting to learn and wanting to improve should always be a goal, as an educator.


Post on Sarah Hodges Choice Blog:

Nice Hodge, I believe that people need to realize that we are all part of a whole and that if you help someone, you are also helping yourself.
Many times people contribute to the world not even knowing its all part of a cycle that will just comeback to you.

Let me share a little story with you. I went to the zoo this past week and saw a video on gorillas that showed how they contribute not even knowing. They eat fruits whole, seeds and all, those seeds travel down their digestive tracks, and then eventually when nature calls, the gorilla, unknowingly plants a tree and contributes. They are an intricate part of the survival not just of the forest they live in but also many species that populate the area.
whether its by just giving advice, or saying hello or even noticing someone, you can never know the changes that your contribution that day will make.

Choice Week 1! Shift happens!

I saw this video about 3 years ago and that is when I decided that if I were to continue my career as an educator, I must help my student achieve more and empower them with the tools necessary to survive this new world. An my decision helped me get to where i am today at Full Sail. I still think it's an amazing Video.

Week 1 The Art Of Possibility 1-3

I must confess, at first I was really reluctant to read the book. I was stuck in a dilemma of whether to skim or read. I am so glad I decided to read; The Art of Possibility, really is an art. As I was reading this book I was confused, amused and enlighten all at once.
“Most people already understand that, as with cultural differences, Interpretations of the world vary from individual to individual and from group to group. This understanding may persuade us that by factoring out our won interpretations of reality, we can reach a solid truth. However, the term it’s all invented points to a more fundamental notion – that it is through the evolved structure of the brain that we perceive the world. And the mind constructs. The meanings our minds construct may be widely shared and sustaining for us, but they may have little to do with the world itself. Further more, how would we know?” (Zander & Zander, p.12, 2000)
So many different ideas and questions popped into my head while reading this but they were all answered when I stopped trying to define it. It all started to make sense with quotes like the one above. Many time people stop follow the path already taken instead of creating a new one. What I got from this book’s first few chapters was that everything has already been invented but not defined. The definition lie with you and what you perceive it to be.

A simple way to practice it’s all invented is to ask yourself this question:
What assumption am I making,
That I’m not aware I’m making,
That gives me what I see?
And when you have an answer to that question, ask yourself this one:
What might I now invent,
That I haven’t yet invented,
That would give me other choices? (Zander & Zander, p.15, 2000)

I truly love this exercise. I tried it and had difficulty at first but that was because I already had assumed parameter and limit to my perceptions.

As I continued to read I came across what felt like déjà-vu, my 8th grade teacher did an exercise similar to the practice of A exercise. He asked us to write down the grade we wanted in the class. Then told us that we will absolutely get it. At the end of the cycle he asked us to write down the grade we felt we had earned. It was difficult at first to grasp but I now understand that he wanted us to set our own measuring stick and judge ourselves rather than society doing it for us.

I would like to end my discussion with this following quote, which should truly be the mission statement for every school and educator, “Michelangelo is often quoted as having said that inside every block of stone or marble dwells a beautiful statue; one need only remove the excess material to reveal the work of art within. If we were to apply this visionary concept to education… All the energy would be focused on chipping away at the stone, getting rid of whatever is in the way of each child’s developing skills, mastery, and self-expression.” (Zander & Zander, p.26, 2000)

Reference

Zander, R.S., & Zander, B. (2000). The art of possibility. Boston, MA: Harvard Business School Press.



Natalie Howard’s Blog:

The first three chapters of the Art of Possibility paint a picture of life in an optimistic perspective. It projects hope, opportunity, transformation and change (if I were to use a few descriptive words). The objective of the work is summed up for us under Launching the Journey where "the objective of the book is to provide the reader the means to lift off from that world of struggle and sail into a vast universe of possibility" (pg.1 par. 1). It's like looking at life "outside the box." I like how the writer makes the firm distinction that the book is not about "turning a new leaf" or self-improvement, but that the practices presented in the book are geared at viewing life from an altogether different perspective--one that causes "a total shift of posture, perceptions, beliefs, and thought processes. They are about transforming your entire world.!" (pg. 4) I believe that the author paves the way for all of us to be transformers depending upon the way we not only view the world, but also upon the way we view ourselves.

In chapter 1, I was inspired by how the Zander's defined what the term (catchphrase) "It's all invented" is about; how it points to a more fundamental notion that our minds "construct". (pg. 12) We have preconceived ideas (assumptions) about life, how we view the world, other people (as individuals and in groups), and ourselves based upon the box that we live in mentally. "It is through the evolved structures of the brain that we perceive the world." (pg. 12) The 9-dot puzzle was puzzling for me at first, but became quite clear about how the box represents a universal phenomenon of the human mind... we as human beings have the natural propensity to think inside of a box, one which limits us in so many ways. When we begin to think outside of the box, or as the author says "its all a story we tell", we can break through the barriers of any "box" that boxes us in (confines us) to the mundaneness of life...

In chapter 2, we are brought face to face with the questions "What are these borders?" and "What is this everyday reality?" (pg. 17). The authors imply that life is full of possibilities once we're thinking outside the box, while on the other hand, our everyday world "the world of measurement", is the world that limits us to assessments, scales, standards, grades, and comparisons. I saw myself rather vividly in this chapter as the world of measurement was further described as "A universe of possibility" where everyday we strive for success. Yet on the pathway there are obstacles which vary from scarcities of time, power, money, love, resources, and inner strength... Life is about survival and people are trying to survive in many different ways. For example, scarcity thinking assumes that life is a struggle and in the struggle we survive by getting ahead because the world is full of limited resources... (they're trying to get all they can, and can all they get!) because eventually there will be none left. I see this mentality as a selfish and greedy means of survival. Then there's survival thinking: looking out for Numero uno (me, myself, and I and nobody else). That's even worse than the first. In the measurement world: you set a goal and strive for it; but in the Universe of possibility, you set the context and let life unfold.

In chapter 3, Giving an A is an invention that creates possibility. In order to become a better YOU, you have to be considerate of others and approach people in such a way that it transforms you and them. It's seeing the best in someone before it ever manifests. The box thinking makes perceptions (judgment) about people from the beginning, but giving an A sees a positive outcome in all people from the beginning. Many lives can be changed just as the many student-musicians lives were. If we practice the practice of giving an A, we follow the new mental perspective of recognizing a universal desire in people to contribute to others regardless of any barriers. We learn to say "How fascinating" with uplifted hands when we make mistakes rather than overly criticize and become too competitive. Giving an A unleashes unlimited possibilities for students (or anyone) in contrast to giving grades which keeps students (and all people) in the box...

Comment on Natalie Howard:

I agree with you on the point about how the author, “paves the way for all of us to be transformers depending upon the way we not only view the world, but also upon the way we view ourselves.” Its amazing how our own opinion of ourselves dictates what we do and how we do it.
For example people that have perceived as attractive all their lives are usually more assertive and confident than those that have been perceived as unattractive. But perception is up to the individual and life’s only limits are the one you set for yourself

Thourn Heng’s Blog:
My thoughts and actions are a reflection of the measurement world because I grew up very competitive. For example, what is the grade that every student wants to earn because it is the highest grade? Of course you already know the answer. We grow in a world where intelligence is measured by numbers (percentage) and richness is measured by accumulation of “stuff.” (I am referring to stuff as property, money, cars, etc.) It is very hard to step out of the competitive educational expectation, because it is “all invented” for us to be aggressive and competitive by nature.

Here is where it hurts me most because I have realized that I measure my expectations for my martial art students based on their ability to execute perfect techniques. I have been struggling to stop this way of thinking for many years, but it is hard to stop. I keep thinking that if I can do it, then my students should be able to do it too. So, in that sense, I am measuring my students to myself.

I coach martial arts for two different aspects: “martial” combative side and “art” the artistic side. Most people see martial arts for the combative side because of the increased popularity of mixed martial arts, UFC, IFC, etc. But, what most people do not see martial arts for is its beautiful artistic side. I coach my students the “art” before I coach them the “martial.”

Martial art, in my opinion, is movement with intent. But, what my students fail to see is why I show them certain movements. Here is where my thoughts are reflections of the measurement world, I judge my student’s ability based on how much intent they have based on their body movement compared to mine. I can see the intent behind their movements based on their position, precision, and power. I know I am better than my students, but what I compare them to is my younger self. That is where I am too competitive and need to stop measuring my students based on my achievements. I need to think more about the possibilities to teach when my students when they make mistakes rather than compare them to me.

Comment on Thourn Heng’s Blog:
It’s in our nature to use ourselves as a standard, its not until we come across someone or something that we perceive to be more skilled or more knowledgeable that we even start to consider a different measuring stick.
For example the first time you threw a baseball, you probably said to yourself WOW, that was fast. Until you joined a little league team a noticed that there were other kids that can throw the ball harder and faster than you.
The fact that you set yourself as the standard could either mean that you are really good or really bad. Knowing you, coach, I am going to assume that you are really good. But just think if beauty id defined by perception then the art or martial arts is viewed differently by different people and the true skill has been all invented.

Week 4 Comments

Link to Quinn Brown’s UDUTU:

http://homepage.mac.com/qlbrown/Sites/UDUTU/UdutuCourse1/course/course38928.html

Comment on Quinn Brown’s UDUTU:

Facebook and Twitter are social juggernauts and using then to promote dance is a great idea, I am surprised that you did not use Myspace. I have come to realize that MySpace and facebook tap into two totally different audiences. Anyway your Udutu was great I enjoyed and learned much about facebook and twitter how to set up pages.

Link to Thourn Heng’s UDUTU:

http://publish.myudutu.com/published/evaluations/16092/Course38830/v2010_7_26_2_51_0/course/course38830.html

Comment on Thourn Heng’s Page:

Math has never been my strong suit, and although it was the review was clear, it made me feel like I was still in a classroom. Which is fine but with UDUTU you can try to make an attempt to liven up the lesson and or review. I thought that the lesson was effective and straightforward but lacked the coach2win glitter. The real world example at the end made it real for me.

Link to Natalie Howard’s UDUTU:

http://lms.myudutu.com/LMSGadget/courses/lms/21501/Course38457/2313/v2010_8_1_15_40_59/course/Course38457.html

Comment On Natalie Howard’s Page:

I found your UDUTU interesting, with this ever changing world of technology there so many children that never get the true definition of Blogging. Sure they may set up a blog and or discuss, or should I say gossip, on a blog. When there is an actual purpose for a blog it can be a great educational tool. Your blog was informative and educational, the assessments were a bit confusing because of many different choices you had but I got over it. Good job Nat.

Future of LMS & PLE Video

Reference:
Saadé, R., & Kira, D. (2009). Computer Anxiety in E-Learning: The Effect of Computer Self-Efficacy. Journal of Information Technology Education, 8177-191. Retrieved from Education Research Complete database.

Week 4 UDUTU Project

UDUTU

Click the UDUTU Link Above to view my UDUTU Project.

My Udutu experience was actually very rewarding, I found myself always trying to figure out how to make my lesson better. It’s a great tool to have as a teacher in order to guarantee that you are delivering the material in a creative and innovative way. My lesson focused on Picture prompts, has proven, at least in my school district, to give students difficulty. The only problem that I foresee with Udutu is that it has a small learning curve. Many teachers will probably rather create a lesson the traditional way and be done with it. Overall I think that this LMS its amazing and has incredible potential.

All images were retrieved from http://www.google.com/imghp

Reference:

Poe, E. (1845). The Raven.

Poe, E. (1843). Tell Tale Heart.

Week 3 Activities: The Future of CMS

What does the future hold for CMS? Honestly, the possibilities are endless, but there is one possibility that shows more promise than others, “massive multiplayer online gaming (MMOG) [this] technology… offers unique education, training, and performance support opportunities.” (Bonk, 2005, p.1) Here is a place where education has no boundaries, where students can learn first hand what it takes to be successful in virtually any field of work they choose. Here they are able to try again and try again until they learn or give up. Practice makes perfect, or close to it.
The initial cost of implementing these MMOG may be massive but think about what will the end result be. Gaming has become part of our everyday lives and to not incorporate gaming, as part of our training and or classes is not only foolish but also detrimental to our next generation of digital natives. “Simulations can help learners understand how to run a business, build a town, or save an environment. Learners can watch changes in processes, explore different assumptions in key military battles, and create alternative worlds and histories.” (Bonk, 2005, p.4)
Many people look at games negatively because it’s assumed that those who engage in such game play will be isolated and or lack social interaction. But with MMOG, “The widespread availability and popularity of gaming has led to questions about its effects on our lives…many people stereotype computer games as isolated or individual activities. However… computer gaming should no longer be connoted as a solitary activity, but instead it should be considered a social endeavor involving friends, more like traditional board games.” (Bonk, 2005, p.2) The interaction in MMOG is not only massive but also much more complex and intricate than your average everyday board game.
There are many people who are opposed to gaming being part of our education and or training. But the truth is that we as educators have ignored the possibilities of games and a medium of instruction. “Already the gaming industry attracts more than 60 percent of the American population, with an average age of 28. The numbers are higher for teenage boys, 75 percent of whom play computer games. The opportunities to play online games are projected to soar during the coming decade.” (Bonk, 2005, p.2) Teach them the way they learn and interact.

Reference:

Bonk, C. (2005). Massive multiplayer online gaming: a research framework for military training and education.



Sarah Hodge

LMS Choice

Before selecting a Learning Management System, an organization should go through a process to ensure they have selected the most effective and cost efficient choice. “Every organization’s requirements for a learning management system differ. Once you have made the decision to implement an LMS, the next step is to analyze your needs” (The Academy, 2010, p.1). Analyzing the needs helps to narrow down the selection process.

It is first an important factor to set goals up as a business or organization so it is clear what needs to get done, who is going to do it, and how it is going to work (Parkin, 2005, p. 4). In other words, “Do not think in terms of LMS functionality, but in terms of process” (Parkin, 2005, p.4). By doing so, the main objectives stated and formed will be met instead of choosing a system for its unique features that will never be used.

Parkin (2005) suggests creating a list of critical success factors for the e-learning system. He lists some of the factors that should be included at this part of the selection process. They are:

1. •Will you need local support in multiple countries?
2. •What is your budget?
3. •Do you want to host internally or have the vendor host for you?
4. •How diverse is your target learner platform and your IT infrastructure?
5. •Do you want to manage classroom activity (scheduling, evaluations)?
6. •Will you be integrating third-party content?
7. •Will you need a system that integrates with CD-ROM content or allows offline work to take place?
8. •Do you need e-commerce or departmental charge-back capabilities?
9. •How granular are your tracking and reporting needs?
10. •Do you have to track compliance or certification training?
11. •Do you have special requirements for data security?
12. •Do you plan to integrate collaborative activities such as e-mail, chat, or communities in your learning?
Will you be managing synchronous virtual classroom activities?
(Parkin, 2005, p. 6)

After carefully evaluating the needs, a list of different LMS systems can be made of systems that meet those needs. After reducing the list, additional evaluation, and crafting an RFP, the list should be cut down to about three systems or enough to create demo sites to explore (Parkin, 2005, p. 13).

Following these steps will help an organization feel more comfortable and prepared in their choice of an LMS system.

vote4pedro2ice
After reading your blog I realized why FullSail decided to create their own CMS/LMS. So much work goes into choosing. And even then you might not still get what you really need. Sometimes is better just to destroy and rebuild or in FullSail's case just build from the bottom up.







Brown_Quinn_Going
Nomadic: Mobile Learning in Higher Education_What is Mobile Learning?

The future of e-learning can go in so many directions. There are numerous trends, such as distance education, embedded learning, and cloud computing. This blog will focus on mobile learning. According to Alexander (2004), “The combination of wireless technology and mobile computing is resulting in escalating transformations of the educational world”. Mobile learning can be only thought of as learning through the use of a mobile phone. This is not the case. Mobile learning refers to making learning portable and mobile. A mobile phone is just one of the tools by which this type of learning can be administered.
Mobile learning is a new concept for many. It seems as if education is just getting used to incorporating the Internet, let alone a new way of learning. Alexander (2004) states “in some ways, we are presently in a state resembling the early 1990’s, when we were wiring up campus spaces for the first time and wondering about the new World Wide Web concept”. Schools have found that utilizing mobile learning can aid them in this time of economic pressure. “Some colleges have considered ceasing to include lab funds in their capital campaigns because labs are being replaced by wireless lab equipment and configurable furniture” (Alexander,2004). Students are used to being able to access anything they need through their cellphones, laptops, or PDA’s. Students should have the choice to complete coursework through these mobile devices. They are constantly on the move and are used to being on the move. Mobile learning benefits the digital native, which students in 2010 are. “Moreover, since technology is mobile, students turn “nomad,” carrying conversations and thinking across campus spaces, as always, but now with the ability to google a professor’s term, upload a comment to a class board, and check for updates to today’s third assignment - all while striding across the quad” (Alexander, 2004).
Technology is not slowing down. Mobile learning will be the next phenomenon in e-learning. Everything is being made smaller so that it can be mobile. Education has no choice but to embrace mobile learning at some point. Education must in order to survive.


vote4pedro2ice
The way the world is moving it seems that if you are not mobile you, as a teacher will become outdated, the way that students interact and learn has changed. If educators don't adjust to the future of education than you as a teacher have become obsolete. Its time to upgrade.

Wk2 Project Udutu Setup

1. Azcona, Pedro

2. Picture Worth a Thousand Words.

3. I will deploy this lesson using iWeb and the final product will be published through Udutu.

4. New project, created for my daily professional practice.

5. Initial appraisal: The idea for the lesson came to me when I saw how much difficulty my students were having with picture prompts in the New Jersey Assessment of Skill and Knowledge, (NJASK). They have to look at a picture and write an essay based on what they see. The lesson I made is called, A Picture is Worth a 1000 Words, Can a 100 Words be Worth a Thousand Pictures? It all has to do with helping students understand that there is no right or wrong answer to a picture prompt as long as what they write is logical. I will alter my past lesson to include interactive media through Udutu to help students succeed in this task. Such as an online drawing pad, link below.

http://www.picturedraw.co.uk/Online%20drawing%20pad.htm

6. The following is a lesson plan is for the proposed lesson.
Grade Level: 6-8
Subject: Language Arts

Objectives and Goals:

• SWBAT produce a picture based on a short paragraph from, Edgar Allan Poe’s, Tell Tale Heart.
• SWBAT write an essay based on a picture prompt.

Anticipatory Set:

• When the students first walk in the room supply them with a blank sheet of paper.
• Tell them to read the following paragraph, and to draw a picture based on what they read. About 10 minutes.
• Exert from Edgar Allan Poe’s, Tell Tale Heart: “Many a night, just at midnight, when all the world slept, it has welled up from my own bosom, deepening, with its dreadful echo, the terrors that distracted me. I say I knew it well. I knew what the old man felt, and pitied him, although I chuckled at heart. I knew that he had been lying awake ever since the first slight noise, when he had turned in the bed. His fears had been ever since growing upon him. He had been trying to fancy them causeless, but could not. He had been saying to himself --"It is nothing but the wind in the chimney --it is only a mouse crossing the floor," or "It is merely a cricket which has made a single chirp."

Direct Instruction:

• Collect all the pictures and show the class how unique and interesting each picture is. Also point out how so many different pictures were produces from reading the same paragraph.
• Explain how a picture prompt relates to this. Explain how there is no right or wrong answer as long as what they write is relevant to the picture.
• Explain the three elements of an essay; Introduction, body and conclusion.

Guided Practice:

• Post a large picture on the board and have student write an introduction based on what they see.
• Have students write a body that supports their introduction, with specific examples from the picture.
• Have students write a conclusion that reemphasizes the introduction, predicts an outcome or offers a solution.

wk2 Activity True Cost of CMS/LMS

Image retrieved on July 17, 2010 from. http://thesteinbergprinciple.files.wordpress.com/2010/01/money_tree1.jpg

After reading, Measuring the Total Cost of e-Learning by Kevin Kruse, the cost and work that goes into LMS/CMS became surprisingly clear to me. What surprised me the most wasn’t the grotesque price rage of 500,000 to 1,500,000+ or how time consuming it is to implement, but rather all the hidden cost that normally people would not even work into the equation.

“Some hidden costs of instructor-led training include the costs of student transportation, meals, and room rental. Indirect costs associated with CD-ROM training include the duplication and distribution of CD's to the students. Costs associated with Web-based training include the purchase or maintenance of the server-computer that hosts the program.” (Kruse, 2004)

Many people tend to overlook things such as maintenance and training into final product cost. Protecting your investment is crucial for the success of it. Having knowledgeable people run and maintain these e-learning platforms is not cheap. Between this week’s videos and readings, my understanding of the cost and work that goes into FSO and all other CMS/LMS was completely awakened. I am thoroughly impressed with the fact that Full Sail, went through so much research and planning to create FSO.

Due to how thorough FSO is, I would not be surprised if by creating their own, e-learning platform that their bottom line cost turned out to be greater than if they would’ve just used one that was already developed. By developing their own, Full Sail ensured that they are addressing all of their needs as well as the students’. Because of how creative, innovative and motivated the Fail Sail staff is, this CMS/LMS is not only successful but it has found ways to deal with some of the downfalls of having such a system in place.

“Although CMSs let students take tests online, some lack the security measures to verify that students are really who they say they are…” (Carliner, 2005) Because of a close-knit staff as well as Global Profession Standard (GPS), Fail Sail is able to monitor students better. GPS addresses professionalism as well as accountability, and because of the close-knit staff, they are able to compared student’s work and resolve quality or identity issues they may have. Overall, most CMS/LMS are worth the cost but knowing what needs to be addressed in advanced can save time and money.

Sources:

Carliner, S. (2005). Course Management Systems Versus Learning Management Systems
Retrieved on July 17, 2010, http://web.archive.org/web/20070308145724/http://www.learningcircuits.org/2005/nov2005/carliner.htm

Kruse, K. (2004). Measuring the Total Cost of e-Learning. Retrieved on July 17, 2010, http://www.e-learningguru.com/articles/art5_2.htm


Quinn Brown's Blog:

Is The Price Right?

E-learning is a very fresh and innovative enhancement that many schools are currently using or trying to develop. In our technology driven society more and more schools have been implementing LMS’s, CMS’s, and PLE’s. This post focuses mostly on the CMS. “Course management systems (CMSs) are online systems that were originally designed to support classroom learning in academic settings, such as universities and high schools” (Carliner, 2005). CMS’s have been used for some time. According to Carliner (2005), “As the market matures and software publishers add complex features (especially to appeal to the corporate market), prices for CMSs have risen sharply in recent years”. The cost is where the struggles begin.

According to Kruse (2004), “In order to generate an accurate and valuable cost analysis, you must take into consideration all of the direct costs of program development, as well as the indirect costs associated with delivery and maintenance”. The indirect costs consists of the minute details that are easily overlooked when a district or company considers purchasing or building an CMS. In order to receive the full benefit of a CMS, the staff, teachers, and students must be trained. Kruse (2004) states “some hidden costs of instructor-led, CD-ROM, or web-based training include the costs of student transportation, meals, room rental, duplication and distribution of CD’s, and maintenance of the server-computer that hosts the program”. These costs add up and make it virtually impossible to just purchase a CMS alone without the other factors necessary for it to succeed.

In the perfect world of e-learning every school would have their own CMS (course management systems). However due to the economic stress, schools districts have been cutting back in order to maintain. According to the Brandon Hall Research Group (2005), “On average it will take, 200,000 to 500,000 and about 18 months to build an LMS (learning management system) with moderate functionality”. Course management systems are similar to LMS’s so the price range is about the same. It is because of this reason that it is more likely for a school district to create or buy a CMS rather than an individual school. Brandon Hall Research Group (2005) also sates “ that what people seem to forget is that it also requires full-time staff. So, the cost may actually be higher”. Even though CMS’s are very costly, it would be a great asset for each school to have their own course management system. Every school is unique. What may work for a high school may not work for an elementary or charter school within the same district. Some small colleges face the same challenges. They are not able to afford course management systems either.

In conclusion, is the price right? If e-learning is supposed to enhance learning, then why is virtually impossible for the schools that need it the most to buy course management systems?

Comment on Quinn Brown's Page:

vote4pedro2ice
If the price is right, is correct! so many people forget that money is the lubricated friction of society. Many things that may appear to be simple get complicated because of money. And Many things that may appear to be difficult are made simple because of money. But regardless of the cost LMS/CMS are a necessary evil, which if we don't fully introduce and incorporate in today's school than we as teachers have failed to create productive members of society.

Thourn Heng's Blog:

The Beauty of LCMS

Learning Content Management System (LCMS) is a learning tool found by the military. Nichani (2001) states that “A LCMS combines the administrative and management dimensions of a traditional LMS with the content creation and personalized assembly dimensions of a CMS.” LCMS, if used properly, is a great tool to deliver and train people for specific skills within an organization. The system allows the administrator to piece together different types of learning regime for people who perform different skills. This is all possible because LMCS have building blocks called Reusable Learning Objects (RLOs). “In a LCMS, you would have libraries of RLOs that can be used either independently, or as a part of larger instruction sets.”

Moreover, the system retains and remembers each user’s profile. So, the system can recommend certain training for the users. Thus, the “learner is able to personalize his learning experience.” LCMS does this based on the RLOs that the user previously requested. In a sense, the system is keeping cookies like internet browser would.

The best feature about LCMS is that it provides just enough information for the learner. Think of it this way. When people go to a training seminar, they want to hear only a specific section, and the section is about 20 minutes long. But, because they are at a seminar, they must stay for the duration of the seminar. With the LCMS, the user does not need to stay for the entire seminar, they can just browse to whatever they need, get it, and go. Simply put, “organizations will have greater control over their instructional content, resulting in better customization of their learning programs.”

Thourn Heng's Comment:

Quick, fast and in a hurry, nicely put and well though out. LCMS are very clear and straight to the point. That is why they are so successful in military and corporate settings. Time is money and with the high cost of these Systems to be introduced and implemented, the content needs to be well thought out and introduced. Great Job Hommie hope that you enjoyed the fall in the water, oh wait waterfall. LOL.

Week 1 Project:LMO Overview

Why fight it? There are so many people that are against the necessary change that will come with LMS and CMS. These changes are not just going to happen the must happen in order for progress to continue. The overwhelming demand for social networks and PLE’s will continue to grow. In order for education and progress to continue being the paramount force that drives this information locomotive it must regulate what many think to be a disruptive and an overall distraction in the classroom.
My Action Research is based on the affects of handheld devices in the classroom. Many of my colleges may not agree with my teaching methods but no matter how unorthodox they may be, I have found success in them. I allow Cell phone use in the class and actually incorporated an email program produced by the district into my daily routine. Now this email program initially started as just email but it’s so much more. The name of it is Teenbiz3000. It sends students a daily email with an article attached and allows me to monitor and change the reading levels of these articles according to their pretest reading score. As time progresses and I either see progress or not I can adjust the vocabulary and language accordingly. I’ve just come to realize that this is a Learning Management System. With the use of cell phones and or iPod touches that I allow my students to use in the class, I can send these articles directly to each student and monitor their advances.
Unfortunately many of my colleges do not take advantage of this LMS, they rather use the Internet as a reward instead as a teaching tool. The problem with that is that many children just surf the Internet doing frivolous things that don’t engage, track or develop their students’ understanding and proper use of the Internet. I started this blog posting the question, why fight it? The change is good and will happen, either embrace it or retire.

Week One Activities

Thourn Heng's Blog

E-Learning Boom

As society move from the industrial age to the information age, many aspect of society needs changing. For example, educational institutions are changing to fit the needs of more learners. Traditional education is extending beyond the classroom with e-learning online. With e-learning, many people can learn at anytime, any place, and at any pace using course management systems (CMS).



In 2005, McGee, Carmean, and Jafari expresses concern for the development of the next generation of CMS. They mention that the current system of CMS needs to be studied more along with the current user’s needs. Moreover, they suggest that there needs to be speculations and studies on the future user’s needs. Future users do not only include end-users of the CMS, such as students and instructors. Future users should include everyone and anyone who is involved in the process of creating the next generation of CMS, such as CMS software developers and CMS stakeholders.

Five years later, Nagel (2010) reports that “The Future of E-Learning Is More Growth.” In Nagel’s report, he mentions that “electronic learning, by dollar volume, reached $27.1 billion in 2009 and predicting this figure will nearly double that by 2014, with academic institutions leading the way.” North American purchases accounted for 43 percent of the large expenditures and the purchase was made by PreK-12 and higher education (non-profit and for-profit).

With the increase of e-learning in non-profit and for-profit educational institutions, what does the future hold for traditional education? Will there be a hybrid between traditional and e-learning education in the near future? Or, are we going to all lean towards e-learning because of the flexibilities and pacing for the learning?

McGee, P., Carmean, C., & Jafari, A. (Eds.). (2005). Course management systems for learning: Beyond accidental pedagogy. Hershey, PA: Information Science Publishing.

Comment on Thourn Heng's Blog
E-learning is not just learning anytime and any place, if you allow me to change your wording a bit, learning at anytime from any place. Far too often, people fail to see the convenience of learning form any corner in the world, professors, not just in the United States, but the world. That is amazing, you can literally have access to the best minds in any given filed at any given time.

Quinn Brown's Blog

Logging Into Learning Platforms Is Not Just About Logging In

“A learning platform is an integrated set of interactive online services that provide teachers, learners, parents and others involved in education with information, tools and resources to support and enhance educational delivery and management” (wikipedia). Learning Platforms (LP) are not a new concept. According to www.learningplatforms.info (2010), “If you have recently graduated from an university chances are that you have used a LP”. Learning platforms have an immense amount of possibilities.

However, simply utilizing a learning platform is not always enough. According to Pusawiro (2010), “Learning platforms within an old teaching frame may not deliver much impact at all”. Traditionally the teacher lectures and scaffolds learning and the students learn the information. The “old teaching frame” must be altered in order for students to receive the full possibilities of a learning platform (Pusawiro, 2010). Pusawiro (2010) states, “After experimenting with Web 2.0 based LMS, CMS or LP for many semesters, I have found that students do better if the platforms all them to self direct or personalize their learning”. Taking an active role in learning provides the students with more responsibility for their own learning. Pusawiro (2010) also states, “Based on my experience, I can testify that students learn better if they think about what they are learning and have an opportunity to engage with the learning materials, rather than simply get the chance to see it and passively use it”.

According to Kenny (2010), “The new ways of learning also require training for teachers. Online learning is not just about logging in. These are skills to be learnt”. Some may view using LP’s as an opportunity to shy away from the “old teaching frame” all together. This is not the case. Learning platforms are a tool to enhance not replace. The possibilities that can be reached through LP’s are obtained by properly blending the “old teaching frame” with the new teaching frame. Kenny (2010) states, “In some ways, platforms are enabling teachers to do what they have always done - but in a medium that children find attractive. But when used well, learning platforms can help teachers do what would have been impossible just a few years ago”. The learning platform has allowed teachers to take a step onto a platform that will make education and learning relevant in this technological age. It is not just about logging in, it is about accessing tools to enhance the quality of overall learning.


Resources


Kenny, J. (2010). A world of possibilities. Times educational supplement magazine. Retrieved

Retrieved on July 9, 2010 from http://www.tes.co.uk/article.aspx?storycode=6044668

Pusawiro, P. (2010). Web 2.0: learning platform for higher education. Retrieved from on July 9,

2010 from http://www.nationmultimedia.com/home/2010/06/21/national/Web-2-0-Learning-

platform-for-Higher-Education-30132000.html

Comment on Quinn Brown's Blog
Learning and teaching strategies had to evolve in order to maintain relevance and interest. These new Learning Platforms are a product of that mutation and as you stated earlier, “they are meant to enhance, replace” its absolutely correct. In this new era of communication overload, education is bound to take part in a formal way of teaching and learning. LPs provided that not just for educators but learners as well.

CMS & LMS Basics

Everything must change! The changes that have occurred in the past decade have revolutionized the way we think, socialize, learn and entertain. Learning Management Systems is a way in which teachers can teach wherever and whenever and students can learn within those same parameters. Because of the ever-changing flexibility of traveling and communication, learning and teaching at your convenience has been made possible through LMS. There are over seven hundred different Learning Management Systems and although it may appear to be a bit overwhelming it’s clear that a trend is forming.
Course Management System (CMS) and Learning Management Systems can be used interchangeably and their use has allowed the classroom not to be limited to a room but rather the world. Their focus, other than being able to use them whenever wherever, are as follows; Student paced learning, easier to keep track of students’ and teachers’ work and interaction and material and course work is rich in media which can stimulate different learning styles.
The need for LMS and CMS is obvious and even though there is a small learning curve, there use and purpose is necessary in this digital world.

BP12_2010013_One Minute Message #2

Here is my one minute video, be sure to read my BP9 for more information and my rational for using Twitter. Enjoy!

BP11_2010013_Link_To_Other_Blogs

Click Here to view my comment on Sarah Hodge's Page.

BP10_2010013_Link_To_Other_Blogs

Click Here to view my comment on Quinn Brown's Blog.

BP9_2010013_Web2.0Tool3

In this day and age, it’s a constant struggle for educators to effectively reach students. An age and interest gap between teachers and students already exist. If there is also a digital and technological gap, your job as an educator will become virtually impossible.
One of the main problems with education today is that people are constantly trying to invent, create or mold it. There will never be an universal mold that will accurately reach every child. Education is ever changing just like us. As time passes, time also dictates what adjustments education needs to make. Remember that education depend on its’ students not the other way around. Would you teach a man who lives by the sea how to lay bricks or would you teach him how to fish?
I will introduce Twitter as a Web 2.0 tool today. What is Twitter? “Twitter is an online application that is part blog, part social net¬working site, part cell phone/IM tool, designed to let users answer the question, what are you doing?” (Educause, 2007) As an educator, I have noticed that students between the ages of twelve and seventeen make clear distinctions between school and everything else, almost as if the education is not intertwined with everything else.
Simple take home task such as study and homework are usually not done because of how separated these two worlds are. Text messaging and Instant Messaging is a big part of our students’ life. So how about we bring education to their world. Twitter can assist us with just that.
Stay with me here!
What is the number piece of technology that all your students have or at least the majority of them use regularly? Wait for it! Yeah, you guessed it, the cell phone. My thirteen-year-old nephew sends about three thousand text messages a month. That is insane! Whether it’s a Blackberry, iPhone or a droid phone, most of your students have one. Most of those phones offer a twitter application for free. Setting up a twitter account is easy, just go to www.twitter.com create one then have your students and their parents set one up as well. You will be surprised as to how many of your students already have an account. Ask that their parents as well as them follow you for homework, test reminders and any school updates such as closings and or emergencies.


Reference:
EDUCAUSE Learning Initiative. (2007). 7 Things you should know about Twitter. Retrieved January 15, 2010, http://web20teach.blogspot.com/

BP8_2010012_One Minute Message - #1

Hope you enjoy the Video.





Click on the link below for an example of what wordia.com does.

Define captivate

BP7_2010012_Links_to_Comments

Click here to view my comments on Sarah Hodges Blog

BP6_2010012_Links_to_Comments

Click here to view my comments on Elijah's web of learning

BP5_2010012_Web2.0_T2-Wordia

http://www.wordia.com

Have you ever asked your students to look something up? They go and get the heavy dictionary, look up the word in question, read the definition out loud and copy it down. After all that work you ask them one simple question, “Can you explain what the word means,” they still reply, “no.” this actually happens to me more often than I wish to share, that’s is at least until I came across Wordia.com. Wordia.com is a visual dictionary. So instead of looking up a word in a traditional dictionary, where you may not be familiar with some of the words used to define the original word, you can access Wordia.com. Where you will get a full video explanation of the word that you are looking for. Complete with examples, different definitions, usage and some jokes. This tool has proven to be useful not just in expanding your students’ vocabulary but also in assisting them in owning the words and language that they read.
Although Wordia.com is a great tool for the classroom it is fairly new and still has many missing visual definitions, in which case they still provide you with the written definition. This visual dictionary also allows you to upload short videos or skits of your interpretation or definition of a word.
This can easily be turned into a class project or a simple lesson for your class. Have your students take pride and ownership of their education and have them record, define and explain a word that they know and love. Most students today are becoming visual learners already and having access to a tool like Wordia.com can proof to be a step in the right direction for education.

BP4_2010011_RSS Feeds

RSS Feed Selections

Education: News & Videos about Education – CNN.com:

With all the turmoil that is going on in New Jersey with issues about teachers, budget cuts and job cuts, this RSS feed will help me stay on top of things.

Elearnspace:

This RSS Feed will keep me up to date with what is going on in the world of education and how the internet is changing it.

AllHipHop.com:

One thing that I have come to understand, first as a student and now as a teacher, is that students tend to listen more to teachers that know a bit about their student’s culture and interest. This RSS feed will help keep up with that.

LEGO Mindstorms:

In our school we have about a dozen different LEGO Mindstorm kits, this year, for the Science and Technology fare we are planning to built and program one of the LEGO’s Mindstorm robots. This RSS feed will help me stay up-to-date with any updates.

Serious Eats:

If you read my profile for FSO, you would know how much I love to eat, coincidently I love to cook as well. This will help me indulge in one of my favorite pastimes.

BP3_2010011_Web 2.0 T1- Tikatok

Web 2.0 tools are extremely helpful and useful but www.go2web20.net, just had too many to choose from. After hours of searching and testing, my pain vain started to protrude on the left side of my forehead. More often than not the Internet causes me pain. That’s when I came across www.tikatok.com, Tikatok is an online platform where parents or teacher and their children or students can write, illustrate, and publish original stories into a professional-quality hardcover, paperback books or eBooks. I was thoroughly impressed with this tool but I was still a bit perplexed on how to fully utilize this site’s potential. Until, I realized that eventually I was going to post, what I was currently writing, on a blog.

My idea is basically to cross utilize two web 2.0 tools, Blogger to write and Tikatok to create. Students will write blog entries based on writing prompts that will guide their writing. Eventually all their blog entries will be gathered and organize in order to convert them into short stories. At the end of the marking cycle or school year there will be a final class project where students will work collaboratively in order to create a book that will contain a collection of short stories. The cool part about this process is that the students, not Tikatok, will still own all the copyrights to the stories and illustrations submitted.

This assignment is a great way to merge two worlds into one. Physical books are slowly becoming obsolete, with the use or eBooks and eReaders becoming more popular. This lesson will, hopefully spark a love for the physical written word and maybe inspire a child or two to eventually become a world known author.

BP2_2010011_EduUses4Blogs

Education by definition means, “the act or process of imparting or acquiring general knowledge, developing the powers of reasoning and judgment, and generally of preparing oneself or others intellectually for mature life.” What is education today? It has a whole different definition. First lets think about what is the purpose of education. It’s my understanding that the overall purpose of education is to create a productive member of society. At the pace that education is moving and tools and skills necessary for the up and coming generations to succeed; schools, education and society are no longer one in the same. School is no longer limited to a classroom; education is no longer traditional or conventional. Our conventional teaching methods must evolve in order for our craft and profession to survive.

Blogs are one of the web 2.0 tools that appear to be molding and shaping the new wave of students. In fact, I use a blog for the all the classes I teach as a way for students to turn in assignments. Blogs by definition are an online diaries and or journals; a chronological log of thoughts published on a Web page. When you have a class of students that all hate to physically write things down, and you see instant change with something as simple as a blog, as an educator you will want to be part of this movement. “It’s been almost 40 years since the teaching of writing in schools had its last major shift, a move to an emphasis on the “writing process,” which still holds sway in most classrooms today. But with the advent of Web-based social networking tools like blogs and wikis, YouTube and Facebook, it may be that the next revision of writing pedagogy is upon us, one that emphasizes digital spaces, multimedia texts, global audiences and linked conversations among passionate readers.” (Pascopella & Richardson, 2009) I have seen instant change in writing immediately when I offered blog as an option to my students. The only problem that I saw was that the quality of the writing remained the same, as when they were writing on paper, but you know what they say, practice makes perfect. I would rather be exposed to more writing than no writing.

While reading this blog look at education not as a landmark in the story that is your life, but more like a vehicle that will help you get to where you are going.

Last point I would like to make is that although I love technology and where it’s taking us I feel that many of these social networking tools are actually making us less social. All of these social networking tools are causing human contact to be optional and sporadic. Human beings, by nature, are social creatures, but social networking is encouraging us to be the opposite.



References

Pascopella, A., & amp; Richardson, W. (2009). The New writing Pedagogy. District Administration, 45(10/11), 44-50. Retrieved from Academic

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