I've spent days exploring Wikis. Honestly, in the beginning I was wondering how they were different from a website, but as I explored more, I quickly discovered the interactive aspects of Wikis. If used correctly, I see how Wikis can become a collaborative learning tool. I also understand that Wikis can be used as a great collaborative tool for anyone needing to share thoughts and ideas in a common "space".
In it's simpliest form Mr. Monson's Grade 5 classroom Wiki is a great example of the collaborative aspect of a Wiki. Each month they pose a question and put it out there for others to answer. The summer question for June, July and August asks what are you going to do over the summer. It was fun to read all the responses from individuals all over the country. Although after reading I think I need to add some adventure to my summer!
Another use for a Wiki is having a space to "store" lots of useful information for others to share and use. Grazing for Digital Natives is such a wiki. I've actually bookmarked this wiki because I can see myself using this site in the future. As an administrator, I often offer resources to teachers. This wiki would be a great resource for teachers trying to effectively implement technology in their classrooms. This wiki offers videos and presentations on many aspects of Web 2.0.
And just for fun, I loved exploring the Schools in the Past wiki. Another easy to use wiki, this one asks participants to tell about school way back when...You can tell from some of the authentic posts that many grandmas and grandads had a fun time telling all about school when they were little. What a great opportunity for a child to show his/her grandparents an aspect of learning that is completely new and different.
I can see myself using wikis in the future. I'd like to first explore an interactive wiki for teachers on my campus. We could explore campus issuses or even discuss fun things to do as a campus.
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Saturday, June 26, 2010
Thing #7
I do understand the value and importance of commenting, but I'll confess I've spent days reading blogs and not commenting. In "life" I consider myself opinionated and I don't hesitate to express my views on any given subject. My family would say that I give feedback too much. However, I find it comforting to simply read blogs and even comments without putting in my two sense. I wonder why this is??? Maybe I'm over-analyzing every word. I should trust my writing skills and just go for it.
I did "bite-the-bullet" and made some comments. Actually, it was quite painless and I can see it getting easier the more I do it. Now, I'm off to read some more and yes, I'll make a few comments too.
I did "bite-the-bullet" and made some comments. Actually, it was quite painless and I can see it getting easier the more I do it. Now, I'm off to read some more and yes, I'll make a few comments too.
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
Thing #6
I will admit that the google reader is really cool, but it will take me time to learn to navigate all the information without getting overloaded. I found several edublogs that will be interesting to follow. I also found some "fun" links including a link to TMZ. I have to admit I enjoy a little trash TV.
Another blog I've subscribed to is Weblogg-ed by Will Richardson. As I mentioned earlier, I had the opportunity to hear Will Richardson speak at a session in the Fall. I know I'll enjoy reading his posts. A recent post http://weblogg-ed.com/2010/why-to-not-how-to/ got me thinking. Imagine that, all this reading now has me thinking. The question "Why?" is so much more powerful than "How?".
"I think that’s one of the first things I’d look for, people who are asking why. Why are we using blogs in the classroom? Why is this in the curriculum? Why are we making this decision? So much of the “how” stuff is figure-outable on our own that I wonder why we spend time on it."I love this..."Why?" is a much better question. It makes so much sense, "Why?" is a higher order question, but so many times I've seen "Why?" be an offending question. Like, how dare you question the status quo, or my authority. We need to rethink the question "Why?". I'll start with my son, Luke, he LOVES the question, "Why?".
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Thing #5
So, I spent the evening and morning exploring my google reader. Wow! The content is enough to send an OCD person into over-drive! Don't get me wrong, I'm glad it is all in one place and can be organized, but I can see how it could become overwhelming. I don't want to miss something good, so I found myself looking a way too much. I'll have to work on the skim and scan skills.
I did find a really neat photo editing site called Picnik. I love taking photos of my kids so I can see how this would be fun for me to use. Here is the picture I edited using the program.
Thing #4
I really think I'll enjoy reading different blogs, especially those related to education. One of the blogs we were given was written by Will Richardson. This past year I had the opportunity to hear Will speak during one of the Assistant Principal academies through Region 10. He is a thought provoking man that really got me thinking about teaching and technology in the 21st century. I'm including a link to his website that I got during this training. He has several blogs and links worth looking through. http://willrichardson.wikispaces.com/
It is so important for us to look at teaching technology differently. Our current students are so much farther advanced than even we can imagine. We need to develop curriculum and standards that will enable our students to learn how to truly use our technology as a learning tool.
So with that in mind, I have a thought provoking question. Considering all the technology available in the palm of your hand (cell phones), is it time to reconsider how we view students using cell phones at school?
It is so important for us to look at teaching technology differently. Our current students are so much farther advanced than even we can imagine. We need to develop curriculum and standards that will enable our students to learn how to truly use our technology as a learning tool.
So with that in mind, I have a thought provoking question. Considering all the technology available in the palm of your hand (cell phones), is it time to reconsider how we view students using cell phones at school?
Thursday, June 17, 2010
Thing #2 Web 2.0
Again, I used writeboard to take notes about my learning. http://123.writeboard.com/993957586b29dced6/feed/e93527f8cbde49528d906cb54ba5bdcd
The Machine is us... what an interesting way to think about Web 2.0 I think it sums up learning, collaborating, sharing, exploring, playing and everything we do on the web.
More than 70% of US 4 year olds have a computer? So, are the remaining 30% children in poverty? According to the US census bureau Poverty rates in the US increased in 2008 to 13.2%. http://www.census.gov/prod/2009pubs/p60-236.pdf As national poverty rates increase, we must consider the implications of technology (or lack of it) in these homes. Will we be leaving an entire "class" of children behind?
As a future principal, I want to be able to answer the question, "How are you helping my child become literate in the 21st century?" I want to give honest and intelligent answers to parents that deserve a good response. I know a shift is occurring all around us. I want to be a part of that shift.
In the video A vision of K-12 students today I was inspired by the facts presented throughout the presentation. "At least once a week, 14% of my teachers let me create something with technology. 63% never do." Oh my goodness, that's terrible!!! Just seeing that should shame teachers into doing something different. Today's students are growing up in a digital world. It is our responsibility to learn to teach them differently.
In the same video, I love when they showed the picture of the written words on paper written over and over and the response, "How will this help me?" I shouted "Amen!" at the screen. I hate worksheets and I don't think they are engaging for students. Now, don't get me wrong, I do realize that they have their place, but that space should be very small and limited.
"Teach me to think" that is exactly what we are responsible for. As educators in the 21st century it is our responsibility to teach our digital natives exactly how to use this new technology as a learning tool.
The Machine is us... what an interesting way to think about Web 2.0 I think it sums up learning, collaborating, sharing, exploring, playing and everything we do on the web.
More than 70% of US 4 year olds have a computer? So, are the remaining 30% children in poverty? According to the US census bureau Poverty rates in the US increased in 2008 to 13.2%. http://www.census.gov/prod/2009pubs/p60-236.pdf As national poverty rates increase, we must consider the implications of technology (or lack of it) in these homes. Will we be leaving an entire "class" of children behind?
As a future principal, I want to be able to answer the question, "How are you helping my child become literate in the 21st century?" I want to give honest and intelligent answers to parents that deserve a good response. I know a shift is occurring all around us. I want to be a part of that shift.
In the video A vision of K-12 students today I was inspired by the facts presented throughout the presentation. "At least once a week, 14% of my teachers let me create something with technology. 63% never do." Oh my goodness, that's terrible!!! Just seeing that should shame teachers into doing something different. Today's students are growing up in a digital world. It is our responsibility to learn to teach them differently.
In the same video, I love when they showed the picture of the written words on paper written over and over and the response, "How will this help me?" I shouted "Amen!" at the screen. I hate worksheets and I don't think they are engaging for students. Now, don't get me wrong, I do realize that they have their place, but that space should be very small and limited.
"Teach me to think" that is exactly what we are responsible for. As educators in the 21st century it is our responsibility to teach our digital natives exactly how to use this new technology as a learning tool.
Thing #1
I'm beginning my learning journey of "23 Things". This online course is designed to help me better understand learning in the 21st century. We started this journey by exploring Web 2.0 and what that means. I created a writeboard to help me take notes along the way. Here is the link to that writeboard: http://123.writeboard.com/993957586b29dced6/feed/e93527f8cbde49528d906cb54ba5bdcd
The habit that will require the most work for me is Habit #3- View problems as challenges. I am a "fix it" type of person, but I don't always view the "fixing" as a challenge. I'll have to work on this.
The habit that will be the easiest or most natural is Habit #2- Accept responsibility for you own learning. Not a problem for me, I love learning new things and I seek out ways to do this.
As I complete this course the habit that will resonate in my mind is Habit 7 1/2- Play! I often forget to put work aside and just have fun. With it being summer, I'll have to remember that it's also important to just relax and have fun. I'm sure my kids will help me out with this one.
The habit that will require the most work for me is Habit #3- View problems as challenges. I am a "fix it" type of person, but I don't always view the "fixing" as a challenge. I'll have to work on this.
The habit that will be the easiest or most natural is Habit #2- Accept responsibility for you own learning. Not a problem for me, I love learning new things and I seek out ways to do this.
As I complete this course the habit that will resonate in my mind is Habit 7 1/2- Play! I often forget to put work aside and just have fun. With it being summer, I'll have to remember that it's also important to just relax and have fun. I'm sure my kids will help me out with this one.
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