ICT in Education

Take a look at what I stumbled upon today:

Nicole Luongo's work

Very interesting!

Feel free to make a comment. We are "famous"!

Techno-Constructivists

Before this project began, I was unsure of how it would be received. As a huge technology advocate, I believe in its use. I try to practice what I preach. I attempt to infuse technology into as many lessons as I can. I try to allow my students to see how I use technology to make teaching more effective and motivating. Often, I find people are resistant to change. When I present new technologies to professors or teachers, some want to see and learn more while others simply do not.

After thinking about what I wanted to do, I knew I need to focus on Web 2.0. Wait-- what is Web 2.0? According to Steve Hargadon ,Web 2.0 is "simply the use of the Internet as a two-way medium- - -that it is a platform upon which content is not only consumed but also created." He claims that students today use the Web entirely revolving around content that they and their friends have created, and within Web frameworks or scaffolding that facilitate that creativity rather than providing the content for them. "They build profile pages, upload photos and videos, and interact with each other and that content through active commenting systems."

I knew podcasting was something *I* wanted to learn more about. So, in a way, this project was a personal journey as much as it was for my students. From reading my students' blogs and talking to them in class, I have found they are enjoying this project because they are doing something. They are using computers. They are using microphones. They are making mistakes. They are getting frustrated. They are succeeding. They are doing something! THEY ARE PODCASTING!

It got me thinking about this article that I have my students read in other courses (mostly technology education courses): http://www.educationworld.com/a_tech/tech/tech005.shtml

I think this project has allowed students in my EE-204 to reach the following stage if they continue using the Web 2.0 skills they are learning:

Stage 4: Techno-constructivists --These are the teachers who integrate technology into the curriculum so that it not only complements instruction but redefines it. The true techno-constructivists have come through the previous three stages and have realized the full potential of technology to help children build on their own experiences, construct their own meanings, create products, and solve problems successfully.

Podcasting Again...

Today was our third day in the lab. It should have been our last, but we have more to do. Next week, we will finalize our stories, questions, and start our lesson plans.

So, we will still be in the lab next week.

Great job to all of my EE-204 students. You are amazing!

Podcasting Reflection

It has been a full day since we finished our 2nd day of podcasting. What a success. In the words of one student, "I love being able to actually DO something in class--not just listen to a professor talk ABOUT it."

Now, this is not to say that this experience has been problem-free. in fact,in terms of technological issues,there have been many. Many of the lab computers have not been working. Students have had difficulty turning computers on and off.

Then , it happened.... dun,dun,dun... I received an email Tuesday afternoon stating that IT needed to wipe the contents of the computers in Pope Lab 215 because they are doing harm to the college network and its connected computers. Oh no! Apparently, virus protection software was not running on the computers and the computers were infected with a virus. What is a virus?

According to Wikipedia, "A computer virus is a computer program that can copy itself and infect a computer without the permission or knowledge of the owner. The term "virus" is also commonly but erroneously used to refer to other types of malware, adware, and spyware programs that do not have the reproductive ability. A true virus can only spread from one computer to another (in some form of executable code) when its host is taken to the target computer; for instance because a user sent it over a network or the Internet, or carried it on a removable medium such as a floppy disk, CD, DVD, or USB drive. Viruses can increase their chances of spreading to other computers by infecting files on a network file system or a file system that is accessed by another computer.^[1][2]

The term "computer virus" is sometimes used as a catch-all phrase to include all types of malware. Malware includes computer viruses, worms, trojan horses, most rootkits, spyware, dishonest adware, crimeware, and other malicious and unwanted software), including true viruses. Viruses are sometimes confused with computer worms and Trojan horses, which are technically different. A worm can exploit security vulnerabilities to spread itself to other computers without needing to be transferred as part of a host, and a Trojan horse is a program that appears harmless but has a hidden agenda. Worms and Trojans, like viruses, may cause harm to either a computer system's hosted data, functional performance, or networking throughput, when they are executed. Some viruses and other malware have symptoms noticeable to the computer user, but many are surreptitious.

Most personal computers are now connected to the Internet and to local area networks, facilitating the spread of malicious code. Today's viruses may also take advantage of network services such as the World Wide Web, e-mail, Instant Messaging, and file sharing systems to spread."

It got me thinking,I better update my own virus software. Maybe you should,too!

Poducate Me

Take a look at this educational podcasting site for some hints and ideas!

http://poducateme.com/

Message from Me

Turn down the volume!

http://professorluongo.podomatic.com/entry/2009-09-18T13_08_00-07_00

Trial and Error

Day One was a success! Hot, yes...but super students made the podcasting experience a wonderful one.

Take a look and listen (on the right) to our first podcasts.

More to come on Tuesday... We will be podcasting our stories.

Day 1 Podcasting Adventure: Ee204

Welcome to Day One of the podcasting adventure.

Right now, as we try to set up the room, we are battling several issues:

1. Heat (82 degrees in the room)


2. 6 non-working computers (with 18 working and 25 students)


3. Dust, dust, dust
   
4. No overhead projection as of 9:13AM --Class starts at 9:30 AM
   
5. The Unknown problems we know will take over once the class starts :)

• Will www.podomatic.com work?
• Will the headsets work they way they should?
• Is the new software installed?
• Will we all pass out from heat exhaustion?

Welcome to the world of integrating technology into the classroom.

Wish me luck. I will let you know how it goes. Please post any comments or suggestions as to how to make this an easy (or easier) transition.

podOmatic Tutorial

This is a podcast tutorial on how to create your first podOmatic page and post audio episodes. As with blogs, entries are posted in chronological reverse order. The first posts are placed at the bottom of the page so you need to scroll down to see Step one.
http://tutorial.podomatic.com/

Podcasting in Plain English

Reading Matters Blog

Reading Matters Blog

Take a look at this reading blog:

The author writes, "I hope you love picture books as much as we do! Here you will find fun activities to share with young children at school or at home, all inspired by popular children's fiction."


http://learningparade.typepad.co.uk/learning_parade/reading-matters-in-the-classroom.html

Back to School Again...

Welcome back!
Yes, it is that time.

Just wanted to say a quick hello to my new EE-204 class who will be blogging and PODCASTING this term.

Good luck and post any concerns here.

ESL Website

Take a look at this wonderful website:

http://www.mrshurleysesl.com/index.html

Emerging Ed Tech Site

Our blog has been just mentioned at the following site:

http://www.emergingedtech.com/2009/05/education-related-blogs-blogging-resources/

Enjoy!

The Garden

I found this quote today, and thought of this past semester:

Teachers who inspire know that teaching is like cultivating a garden, and those who would have nothing to do with thorns must never attempt to gather flowers.

~Author Unknown

As I considered my Spring 2009 semester, this quote just fit. My semester was like cultivating a garden-- a very diverse garden. I had three wonderful undergraduate classes as well as two graduate classes. Three of these classes were online, and two were face-to-face. I had students in these classes that ranged in age from 18 or 19 to ___ (age not listed to protect the innocent)! Some of my students were full-time students, nannies, lifeguards, teachers, administrators, and full-time homemakers. Some were taking their first class!

Yet, you were all growing. You were growing at different rates and in different ways. Some needed lots of light. Some did not. Some needed to be watered everyday--sometimes 7 times a day. Some did not need a lot of water. You all grew into beautiful plants. Some were flowers; others were trees. However, in the end, you all grew.

Thank you, my garden, for a splendid semester. I wish you are half as lucky as me to have students just like you.

Free Stuff for Educators

Here is a blog that discusses some free resources:

http://www.techlearning.com/Blogs/18598

Enjoy!

CLRN

Currently, my GE-555 class is examining and blogging about the California Learning Resource Network site http://www.clrn.org/

Today, I received the following email:

Dear Dr. Luongo,

I discovered several of your student's blog posts regarding CLRN through an automated daily Google search and noticed that you're sharing our great resource in your class. Thank you. The California Learning Resource Network has been a state-funded project for the past 10 years, although we’ve been around for the past 25. We began by reviewing commercial electronic learning resources, but expanded to include data assessment resources and free web information links. I’m curious to know which parts of our site are of value to you and your students.

You can always catch up with our new features through one of our nine blogs or through my blog . In addition to the two new WILs categories we added in February (Free Software/Web Tools and Free Supplementary Course Materials), we’ve added a user feedback system to both our ELARS and our WILs. Now, educators can rate and comment on any of our free resources. We’re even giving away an iPod Nano each month to one of the participants.

We’re just beginning our yearly evaluation period where we’ll be collecting data about our progress and our user’s needs. If there are any features you feel should be added, we’d love to know.
BTW, our data shows that 1% of our users come from New Jersey, 13% from Virginia, and 3% from New York (let alone the 4% from Beijing).

Thanks,

Brian
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Brian Bridges
Director, CLRN
Your source for California standards-aligned electronic learning resources

bbridges@clrn.org


Ah~ the wonders of the digital age!

Worksheets for Teachers

Take a look at this link:

http://www.superteacherworksheets.com/

I just found it and plan on using it in my classes.

Enjoy!

Facebook Freedom?

Recently, I shared Ginette's (GE-555) blog posting with a colleague of mine... She had been complaining about her vulnerability on the web and use of Facebook and Twitter, etc...

The blog made an impact, and she deleted her Facebook account. She explained that she thought she was becoming too reliant on it and wasting too much time. Since that time, she told me she has become "freed" from the constant checking and updating she used to do on Facebook. People wonder where "she is", but she is back where she should be--the real world.

Is this the backlash that will eventually occur when people get tired of Facebook and MySpace? Will this ever occur with the current generation?

Take a look at this link and see what you think:

http://news.myjoyonline.com/features/200904/28721.asp

Wacky Web Tales

Take a look at this WACKY site provided by Houghton Mifflin.

http://www.eduplace.com/tales/

Your students who enjoy Mad Libs will enjoy this site.

"The Raven" on You Tube

How could you use this YouTube video in class? Would you use this video or audio to engage students?

Quotation

It must be remembered that the purpose of education is not to fill the minds of students with facts... it is to teach them to think, if that is possible, and always to think for themselves.

-- Robert Hutchins

Educational Videos

Here is an additional link to some educational videos that may be of help to you:

http://www.kidsknowit.com/interactive-educational-movies/index.php

This site claims, "Our Free Educational Movies bring your student on a fun and interactive journey through the world around us. Each movie begins by introducing students to the topics that they will be learning about, and ends with an online quiz. In order to successfully complete each online video, your student must watch, and then successfully answer the quiz questions with 80% or higher accuracy....Students who do not obtain 80% comprehension will be instructed to watch the movie a second time, and then again try to answer the quiz questions."

Enjoy!

Saint Peter's College Launches CETL Website

Here is a link to the new Saint Peter's College Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning!

The mission of the Center is to promote excellence in teaching and learning. The Center seeks to communicate and provide information to students, link students to resources for learning; to support and foster the development of faculty as teachers and scholars and to create a venue for dialogue and sharing among faculty. The Center is intended to serve undergraduate and graduate students as well as faculty members of all ranks and status.

You will find many useful inks on this site.

April Fooling Worm?

Take a look at the CNN story about the April Fools' Day Worm:

http://www.cnn.com/2009/TECH/03/24/conficker.computer.worm/

Has anyone had any problems?

Campus Compare

I just received an email alert about this new website:

High School students looking to explore college options and school counselors in search of a resource for their students should examine CampusCompare, which is a new FREE online resource that merges current data on over 3,000 colleges, reviews, advice articles, financial aid calculators and more.

The website offers a variety of links to area maps, student reviews and "quick facts," and includes a tool that can predict a student’s odds of getting into any college in the U.S. Entire classes can be managed and communicated with via the website’s high school “networks.”

School counselors can use the site to monitor students from their own secure school network to schedule appointments, send individual or mass messages to students and manage key college application dates and suggest different schools that match a student’s academic and personal preferences.

Any thoughts?

Online Versus F2F Learning

In response to mmd's blog (GE555 class), I decided to post these articles regarding the debate between media, message, face-to-face (f2f) and online learning.

http://www.coe.tamu.edu/~mbastian/Clark-Kozma/CK-Debate.htm

http://www.umassonlineblog.com/2008/06/13/face-to-face-or-online-instruction-is-that-the-best-question/

Any thoughts?

Silly Books

This site is a safe and nurturing environment that encourages children between the ages of 3-13 to read.

Take a look and see what you think...

http://www.sillybooks.net/

More Twitter...

Continuing with the Twitter thread, here is a link for future librarians. How to use Twitter in the Library.

I think this link can be useful for teachers, too.

http://www.collegeathome.com/blog/2008/05/27/twitter-for-librarians-the-ultimate-guide

Twitter in Education

In response to Jim's blog (GE555 class Smitty's Section), here is some more Twitter information. Go look at his video to get an idea of what Twiiter is "in plain English".

This video explains how Twitter is related to education, blogging, and Facebook.

Enjoy!

How do I Publish a Webquest?

To my GE555 classes,

Thanks to Eric (on his blog) for this hint on how to publish your WebQuest:

"...Just sign on to questgarden using your temporary ID and then proceed like you are going to edit your webquest. At the very bottom of the editing menu is a section called "Tools". If you click on the link for "Publish" under tools, your webquest will become part of the questgarden domain and always remain available to you and your students. There are a couple of boxes that you need to check that give permission for them to make it available to the public. Check those and hit the "Publish" button and your webquest will be saved. Good luck!"

Kidspiration Help!

Here is a website from a terrific eduator named Vicki Blackwell.

She claims, "The purpose of this website is to provide a resource for ... teachers all around the world, as they continue to incorporate the use of technology into the curriculum. You will find my favorite links in the "Blackwell's Best" section. "The Classroom" has links to staff development materials and technology integration activities as well as tutorials for some of my favorite software. The "Tech Tips" page includes hints to help you become a more efficient technology-using educator, and the "TangiTech" section is devoted to our professional development programs for integration of technology into the curriculum. I hope you find something that will help you and your children."

Take a look: http://www.vickiblackwell.com/kidspiration.html!

Vocabulary

In my SE370 class, we are discussing the importance of developing a strong vocabulary.

Take a look at this free site that allows students, teachers and life-long learners to acquire and retain vocabulary.

http://www.vocabulary.com/

Blog Mirrors "Real Life"

I have always claimed that this blog takes on a life of its own, but have not seen it happen as strongly as it has this semester. Since I am teaching several online courses, the blog is an integral part of those experiences. My graduate-level GE555 class experience has really shown me that the blog mirrors "real life".

As all students know, we feel frustration at times. This stress can be felt in class, at home, and at work. Often, we voice that concern to our professor or friends either in writing (email) or by speaking to them. What do you do in an online course? I guess you could email me (and some have) or your classmates or friends, but I have found many of my students using the blog to communicate their feelings.

For example, I think most of my GE555 students voiced concern during the WebQuest "era"/module. There were cries for help, screams of anger, and grumbles. These pleas were heard by other class member and professor and were eased with private or public discussions. I know, I know... I am exaggerating here, but my students know what I mean. ;) For those of you who are not familiar with this time period, please go back to any of the GE555 students posts from about two weeks ago. We shall call this the WebQuest Week or Two or Three...Currently, this class seems to be content again and the feelings are showing in the Blogging "era"/module.

Just thought I would share this insight with you.

Do any of you find the blog taking on a world of its own? I welcome your thoughts--or complaints!

Blog away!

Bilingual Education and Technology

In response to Taran's (GE555) engaging blog posting on bilingual education and technology, I found this article.

Take a look and see what you think.

Tech Trekers Webquests

My GE 555 class just finished a module on WebQuests.

I thought I would share some other WebQuests with you:

http://www.techtrekers.com/webquests/

Any thoughts?

Word Verification Problems?

Is anyone having trouble leaving comments on blogs?

I wanted to share my problem with you. There have been several blogs that I have been unable to comment on. I write my comment and get a "Loading" message while I wait for word verification.

I searched the Help section of bloggger and found more than one other user having the same problem.

Please be patient. It is a blogger issue, and hopefully they will resolve it soon. Do not get frustrated. :)

Thanks!

La La La La

According to Howard Gardner, musical intelligence involves skill in the performance, composition, and appreciation of musical patterns. It encompasses the capacity to recognize and compose musical pitches, tones, and rhythms.

Some of us (not all, but a lot) have this intelligence and may not even know it. Younger children embrace and use this intelligence. Sadly, as we get older (or teach older students), this intelligence gets lost in the shuffle.

Take a look at this site:
http://www.songsforteaching.com/

Here is Dr. Jean's site, too:

http://www.drjean.org/

Any thoughts? Do you know of any other sites for music to teachers?

Another Live Chat: Obama's Plan

I wanted to share another opportunity for you to take part in a live online chat.

Live Online Chat:
Obama's Education Plan
When: Thursday, February 19, 3 p.m. Eastern time
Where: http://www.edweek-chat.org/

With the new administration in Washington comes the prospect of new approaches to education policy and practice that would directly affect schools and districts at the local level. Get an advance look at how decisions on the No Child Left Behind law, Title I, and other key legislation by President Barack Obama and U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan may change the education landscape.

Log onto this website on Thursday, Feb. 19, at 3 p.m. Eastern time for a free live chat with federal policy experts.

This chat coincides with the release of the latest book from Education Week Press, The Obama Education Plan: An Education Week Guide.

About the Guests:

• Chester E. Finn Jr., president of the Thomas B. Fordham Foundation
• Thomas Toch, co-founder and co-director of Education Sector
• Gene Wilhoit, executive director of the Council of Chief State School Officers

This chat will be moderated by Education Week Associate Editor Scott J. Cech.

Copyright © 2009 Editorial Projects in Education.

NJ School Report Card

Take a look at NJ School Report Card.

Each year, the NJ Department of Education posts this information for the public to see. The NJ DOE's website claims, "The New Jersey School Report Card has provided the public with information about every school in New Jersey since 1995 when the Legislature mandated the annual accountability report."

Poetry 180

Here is a poetry website that provides a poem a day:

http://www.loc.gov/poetry/180/

This site claims, "Poetry can and should be an important part of our daily lives. Poems can inspire and make us think about what it means to be a member of the human race. By just spending a few minutes reading a poem each day, new worlds can be revealed."

Webquests to Web 2.0

Students in my GE555 classes are currently working on WebQuests.

I wanted to share some information and resources with them, but figured we could all benefit from them.

Take a look at this workshop link.

The web site claims, "When you combine quality Internet resources and effective technology tools with the power of Web 2.0 applications, learning comes alive for students. WebQuests are an inquiry-based approach to addressing standards that place emphasis on motivating assignments, authentic assessments, and developing independent readers and writers."

Hope this helps!

Education quote

Instruction begins when you, the teacher, learn from the learner; put yourself in his place so that you may understand… what he learns and the way he understands it.

-- Soren Kierkegaard

Online Chat: Technology and Literacy

I just got a reminder for a live online chat. Thought I would pass it along to you. If you are interested, it would be a great experience.

Here is the info I received:

Tech Literacy Confusion: What Knowledge and Skills Really Matter?

When: Thursday, Feb. 5th at 2pm Eastern time
Where: http://www.edweek-chat.org

Join us for an online discussion to tackle the question: What is technology literacy and how should it be taught and measured?

Teaching literacy—reading and writing—is a core mission for schools, but today’s young people increasingly "read" 3-D computer simulations and "write" via social networks such as Facebook. A growing chorus of experts say schools should add these forms of communication to their literacy mission as "technology literacy."

Many educators and digital learning experts argue, further, that technology literacy should include the processes and conventions of online communities in which young people may use the new forms of communication—for example, "fan fiction" Web sites and "massively multiplayer online games."

Others have much different ideas about what should define technology literacy. The science community and corporate world, for instance, say the need for young people to receive better preparation in STEM subjects—science, technology, engineering, and math—for 21st-century careers justifies adding the fundamentals of those areas to the definition of technology literacy.
Still other groups argue that technology literacy should cover Internet safety, cyberbullying, and the laws on the use of intellectual property.

All these different ideas about what should define technology literacy have created quite a bit of confusion. But the good news is that some new efforts may clarify the definition, including a high-profile push to add a technology-literacy test to the National Assessment of Educational Progress.

About the Guests:
Tess Jolls, President and CEO, The Center for Media Literacy.http://www.medialit.org
Chris Stephenson, President, Computer Science Teachers Association.http://www.csta.acm.org
This chat will be moderated by Kevin Bushweller, Executive Editor of Education Week's Digital Directions.

Super Bowl Fun

Here is a link to some Super Bowl fun for you and your students.

http://www.education-world.com/a_lesson/lesson096.shtml

As educators, we need to provide motivational activities to keep our students interested.


See what you can use!

Secretbuilders: New Site for Me!

I came across this site in one of my educational technology sites:

http://www.secretbuilders.com/

The site claims: "SecretBuilders is a site that can be used to supplement the teaching of various topics, including literature, arts, sciences and humanities. The site gives children an opportunity to interact with famous historical and fictional figures from world civilization, making learning more enjoyable and effective. We can provide teachers with examples of how to incorporate SecretBuilders into their school curriculum."

Take a look and see what you think.

Awards

This morning the Caldecott, Newbery, Printz, Coretta Scott King and Pura Belpre Awards were announced.

For a listing of the awards, please click here:
http://educationservicesnews.blogspot.com/2009/01/ala-youth-media-awards.html

Podcasting, Anyone?

As I think I mentioned in class, I have started podcasting. I added a podcast to my undergraduate online course Ed 301. Slowly.... Small steps...

What is a podcast? Why would I want one? Are they free? Do I need to create them?

I found this article on podcasting that may answer some of these questions. http://www.wtvi.com/TEKS/05_06_articles/classroom-audio-podcasting.html The article explains that "Thousands of podcasts are being published for both local and global audiences on a multitude of topics. Two excellent places to find classroom podcasts are the Education Podcast Network (http://epnweb.org) and the podcast directory within the iTunes Music Store. iTunes is free software available for both Windows and Macintosh computers (www.apple.com/itunes)."

Enjoy!

Also: Here's a link to a classroom that is podcasting http://bobsprankle.com/blog/C1697218367/E20050925120007/index.html

Project Gutenberg

Need resources for your classes or lessons?

Project Gutenberg offers free online materials. It is the first and largest single collection of free electronic books, or eBooks.

Michael Hart, founder of Project Gutenberg, invented eBooks in 1971 and continues to inspire the creation of eBooks and related technologies today.

Take a look at the site and see what you think!

Blog Privacy

In response to my class discussion in GE-555 last night, I found this article.

Here is an interesting point, "Blogs are getting a lot of attention these days. You can no longer safely assume that people in your offline life won't find out about your blog, if you ever could. New RSS tools and services mean that it's even easier than ever search and aggregate blog entries. As long as you blog anonymously and in a work-safe way, what you say online is far less likely to come back to hurt you."

Take a look and see what you think.

Thanks!

Hello again!

This is another new blog for GE555-02.

Welcome to the Blog!

Hello to this class! I cannot wait to get started.

Blog Video

Semester Start

Today is our first class session (undergraduates). I am anxious to meet you and start this exciting semester.

Hopefully you can get started on creating your blogs and getting used to this format. If you need any assistance, let me know.

To get you started and thinking, here is a link to an article on How to Start your Own Blog:
http://www.techlearning.com/story/showArticle.php?articleID=163100418

Here is a video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NN2I1pWXjXI

Furthermore, if you have any questions that you think other students may benefit from, you can post them here and I will answer them. Hope you have a wonderful weekend and I look forward to a great term!

Almost time....

...to start blogging again~!

Just a note to say hello and that I have not forgotten about the blog. Spring semester starts soon and i look forward to hearing from you all again!

Take care~