Blog post 10

While I was pondering the topic of my integrated technology assignment, the suggestion was made that I consider reporting on the use of wikis in the classroom. This topic both intrigued and baffled me, as the only wiki with which I had interacted was Wikipedia, and to a extremely limited degree. During the search for material on this subject, I located a bevy of videos that elucidate the rationale and proper use of wikis in the classroom. Although there are several work viewing, the one located at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1pR5yogCmkA is very informative and helpful. I plan to use wikis and blogs in my classroom in the fall and this site provides an excellent framework from which to work.

Another useful site is located at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SXFsBkKA3JE. This one provides sample wiki assignments, assignment rubrics and clearly defines the characteristics of a wiki in child friendly language. I will rely heavily on this site as I prepare for implementation this fall.

Blog Post 9

In preparing for the presentation for this class, I have come across a couple of videos that speak volumes about the use of YouTube in the classroom. One such video, the one located at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0r1SRJCViUY, neatly encapsulates the points enumerated in the literature review. It lists the 10 reasons for using YouTube videos in the classroom. Coincidentally, most of the reasons mentioned in the video clip are reinforced by the literature. Another fantastic resource on this same topic is the video found at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9db9FyDkppk. This video provides explicit examples of how to navigate YouTube to ensure that the proper content is accessed. Both videos were discovered well after the literature review for this course was complete, but these resources bolster the assertions made in the articles.

Blog post 8

Since I began this program, one of my best friends has become Google Docs. I thoroughly appreciate the flexibility it allows when communally drafting a document with others. Google Docs functions consistently, is easily accessible and can be manipulated by anyone who has permission to do so. Without this option, my doctoral program journey to this point would not have been as efficient. Recently, my wife began using Google Docs to work on a brochure with some of her co-workers, so it has useful for me/us personally, too. Good stuff. 

Blog post 7

The idea of interweaving technology into education is hardly novel, however, it appears to cropping up with increasing frequency since the beginning of this class. The only problem I have with the infusion of greater technology into the classroom is that it seems to be superimposed on teachers, without the requisite training. More and more, I'm hearing tales from teachers who are being asked to venture outside their comfort zone to create lessons and provide alternative programs for students which reflect technological savvy. This is not necessarily bad, however, sometimes adequate training for teachers is needed in order to accommodate these requests. A friend from Los Angeles recently recounted to me how she was in a meeting with her vice-principal and a parent and was asked to create a series of quizzes for a student who has a chronic illness. She was bemused, because she didn't know how to begin putting that together. According to her, when she expressed her ignorance to the VP, he told her to check with the IT person who comes to campus once per week (Wednesday's). Without providing all the details, suffice it to say that there was a disconnect between the IT guy and my friend, and when the VP followed up with her, he was quite dismayed to learn there had been little progress in providing the online tests for the infirm student. I think the suggestion to make adaptations for this student was dynamic and appropriate. The problem was that the teacher had not been given the needed tools to discharge that task prior to the suggestion. Maybe, the VP should have coordinated a short training between the IT person and my friend, as his "suggestion" would have likely carried more weight.

As an aside, it would be wonderful if a system similar to Blackboard were available where I work (cost notwithstanding). This could serve as a repository for assignments, announcements and tests. Just a thought.

Blog post 6

It occurred to me at the beginning of this course that I am a neophyte when it comes to Twitter. Unwittingly, wife has been giving me tutorials. I casually ask her questions about how to do this or that, and she kindly answers them, largely unaware that I have absolutely no idea what some of the terminology means! I am gaining a better handle on Twitter, however. I recently opened a personal account and became a follower of Dwyane Wade, my favorite athlete, among others. I think I kind of understand the idea behind Instagram as well. I'm glad about that. Fundamentally, I don't quite get why people post up-to-the minute accounts of their day and current goings on, such as "Just came from the store" or "Watching CSI." I think it's somewhat foolish, but perhaps I don't get the kaleidoscopic viewpoint. I am much more comfortable texting or emailing, or heaven forbid, calling someone to convey ideas. Yeah, I think much of my resistance to Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, etc., stem from the notion that I think they are unnecessary. Lucrative inventions, sure. Again, maybe I'm missing something, or maybe I'm just a 39 year old curmudgeon. Who knows?

Blog post 5

Recently, I had severe challenges creating a survey on Surveymonkey connected to my dissertation. When I mentioned this to a colleague, she said, "What's the problem? It's all right there for you!" After fumbling with it for another several hours, I discovered that she was correct and that it wasn't nearly as challenging as I was making it out to be. This and other travails are commonplace with me when attempting to learn about a new technological advance. Usually, I first complain about the immense difficulty of the new learning without giving it my full attention. Then, once I focus on the issue, I discover it is a relatively simple intellectual acquisition. Surveymonkey, for example, is pretty darn simple! Unfortunately, heretofore, my apprehension prevented me from acquiring a valuable piece of information that I could have been using all along. For this reason, I am thankful for education/ academic training, because it forces me to operate outside of my comfort zone(s).