Billions of dollars are being spent each year to prepare students and schools for technology demands and challenges. However, with all the advances, evidence suggests that schools are a long way from leveraging technology's potential. There are also large gaps between the advantaged and disadvantaged students in schools that have access to computers at home. Also with NCLB, many schools are using technology for testing purposes and drill practice and advocates for technology believe that a main focus should be put on helping students sift through all the data on the web and make sense of the noteworthy information. Advocates for technology want students tested for technology standards along with the math, language arts, science, and history advocates. However, from state assessments, how can anyone judge if the teachers are doing their job or if the students have the knowledge to succeed? State assessments can only infer that a student has mastered the tested knowledge - What about everything the student has mastered that is not being tested?
The report showed that in 2007 Kansas faired quit well against other states. Kansas endorses technology standards for students, teachers, and administrators. Kansas ratio of computers to students is less than the national average. Kansas averages about 2.5 instructional computers per student as opposed to the national average of 3 to 4. Kansas state technology report card showed that Kansas received an A- for access to technology, a B- for use of technology, a C for the capacity to use technology and an overall grade of B-. The average state score was a C+.
I agree that technology is not being utilized to its fullest advantage. Schools have come a long way over the last 10 years. Many students are taking virtual courses due to scheduling and work. This is good, but I don't believe virtual college is for everyone. Virtual courses are also promising for those students needing more challenging work. Podcasts, i-movies, etc... are all great ways for students to learn. There is so much available to a person anymore.
What about laptops replacing textbooks in Louisiana district? This document had a server error. However, many articles have been written on laptops replacing computers and there are many advocates for laptops replacing textbooks. Look at the college books that are offered on line at a lower price. Personally, I still like books, but I also like computers. I like to switch back and forth. I personally do not want to go strictly to laptops, maybe this is age? Like anything else, some people draw better, some people are great writers, some people need to be spoken to, some people are visual learners. I started thinking about this and it hit me, we have access to all of this on our laptops, educators and students just need to learn how to utilize it all. If books and schooling go strictly online I would be O.K. with this especially if classes had visual podcasts and teacher notes on the screen.
Sunday, April 8, 2007
Podcasts for Week of April 2nd - 6th
Tech Chick Tips
Episode #22.5 Tech Chick Tips
March 30, 2007
The two women referenced Dan Schmidt's site - Kidcast awards - go to site Techchicktips.net - deadline for entering podcast on Dan's site is April 30th can go to intelligenic.com
Episode #20 Tech Chick Tips
February 27, 2007
Links for learning. ThinkQuest. org is a site for students from age 9 to 19 - collaborative educational site for kids - a place to post their projects.
Litesum-created by a 9th grader- searches wikipedia- does a search
Tuxpaint.org - drawing program for drawing for ages 3 to 12 - replacement for kids pix - free offer - basic brushes and stamps, etc... very easy, open source
Word.sc social dictionary - look up a word and put it right in the URL, program will pronounce the word for you and get a picture, site the word for you in the correct format -MLA, APA
They support extending your learning through collaboration. Post, blog, and share - how learning grows.
Kidcast
March 27, 2007
Episode 40
Time for Kidcast awards - two categories - Students - documentary(research findings, uncovering a concept), talk show (current events, teaching people through discussion, variety shows), drama (radio plays that teach, poetry) sound scene tour, where in the world?, Best in Show - recognizes the student podcast which exemplifies good podcast qualities (production quality, creativity, amount of learning obtained).
Second category is the teacher category for professional development or instructional materials.
Aiming contest at K -12 teachers and students, limitations - one podcast per category for each class. Can be enhanced podcast, video podcast, or regular podcast. Deadline is April 30th.
Dan would like to see many entries and intends to share these with listeners. Working on getting prizes for the winners. I thought this was a great idea and a way to get listeners to keep listening and a great way to promote podcasting. I personally can't wait till I get a chance to hear some of them.
Ewart Productions
Episode # 1
December 5, 2006
Wow!!!!!! Art historian, Christopher L.C.E. Witcombe gives a fact filled entertaining coverage of Leonardo da Vinci's painting of the Last Supper. This was a video podcast that was very well produced and informative of this art work. Witcombe did a great job! I learned that in this picture - 12 people couldn't possibly sit around this table but how he grouped the people into four clusters, one doesn't give a second thought to this small detail. It was better to group the people in clusters versus seating them in one straight line. I also got some great ideas for future podcasts, movies, or photos.
Episode #22.5 Tech Chick Tips
March 30, 2007
The two women referenced Dan Schmidt's site - Kidcast awards - go to site Techchicktips.net - deadline for entering podcast on Dan's site is April 30th can go to intelligenic.com
Episode #20 Tech Chick Tips
February 27, 2007
Links for learning. ThinkQuest. org is a site for students from age 9 to 19 - collaborative educational site for kids - a place to post their projects.
Litesum-created by a 9th grader- searches wikipedia- does a search
Tuxpaint.org - drawing program for drawing for ages 3 to 12 - replacement for kids pix - free offer - basic brushes and stamps, etc... very easy, open source
Word.sc social dictionary - look up a word and put it right in the URL, program will pronounce the word for you and get a picture, site the word for you in the correct format -MLA, APA
They support extending your learning through collaboration. Post, blog, and share - how learning grows.
Kidcast
March 27, 2007
Episode 40
Time for Kidcast awards - two categories - Students - documentary(research findings, uncovering a concept), talk show (current events, teaching people through discussion, variety shows), drama (radio plays that teach, poetry) sound scene tour, where in the world?, Best in Show - recognizes the student podcast which exemplifies good podcast qualities (production quality, creativity, amount of learning obtained).
Second category is the teacher category for professional development or instructional materials.
Aiming contest at K -12 teachers and students, limitations - one podcast per category for each class. Can be enhanced podcast, video podcast, or regular podcast. Deadline is April 30th.
Dan would like to see many entries and intends to share these with listeners. Working on getting prizes for the winners. I thought this was a great idea and a way to get listeners to keep listening and a great way to promote podcasting. I personally can't wait till I get a chance to hear some of them.
Ewart Productions
Episode # 1
December 5, 2006
Wow!!!!!! Art historian, Christopher L.C.E. Witcombe gives a fact filled entertaining coverage of Leonardo da Vinci's painting of the Last Supper. This was a video podcast that was very well produced and informative of this art work. Witcombe did a great job! I learned that in this picture - 12 people couldn't possibly sit around this table but how he grouped the people into four clusters, one doesn't give a second thought to this small detail. It was better to group the people in clusters versus seating them in one straight line. I also got some great ideas for future podcasts, movies, or photos.
Sunday, April 1, 2007
Articles read for March 11, 2007
$250 Million proposed to lure teachers to New Orleans schools. Relocation bonuses offered, $500 housing subsidies and incentives to lure educators and principals to New Orleans. This area is in dire need of educators, they are even offering to forgive school loans for returning instructors. I personally think this is a great idea for some people and young new teachers.
The other article U.S. born don't learn the language easily stated that kids are still having trouble with English as a second language even after seven years. Hispanic students have the highest drop out rate and 1 out of 10 Hispanic students make up 70% of ESL learners. I think it would be extremely tough to learn a second language if only your 1st language was used at home and you received no support from your family. It was noted that Hispanic parents need to help and make schooling a priority like Asian parents. I liked the comment "Cultural differences should not be allowed to become a justification for inaction."
Podcast postings for March 27-29
Kidcast with Dan Schmidt
Episode # 39 Photo Story and Jodix
March 23, 2007
Microsoft has a product called "photo story" which is a free download to help a person create exciting video stories by adding panning and zooming effects to a persons pictures, and allows a person to add titles and background music to a story. This product is similar to i-movie for Mac users. Jodix is a converter for Windows that converts videos to podcasts. I liked how Dan shares items for both PC and Mac users. His non bias toward platforms increases his listener base.
Kidcast with Dan Schmidt
Episode #26 Sound seeing tours
May 24, 2006
I liked this episode because it gave several good examples of a sound seeing tour. I liked the sound effects that were left in the background when the people were talking about where they were. One episode was in a cave and you could hear the creeping sounds and echoes. Another episode was at the New York City library - on the front steps you could hear all the car noise and hustle and bustle of the City. He talked about how to produce such a podcast. He stressed 1. effective planning, selecting a good location with a good story, 2. Sequence matters and who is going to say what and when. Ask yourself - What do you want the listener to learn and know.
Sound seeing tours make it interesting and exciting for someone else listening. This type of podcast reminded me of a good book on CD - something that will hold your interest for hours and make driving for long hours go by quickly.
The Tech Teacher
Love Your Laptop
March 21, 2007
I really liked this episode, I learned some good basics of how to care for a laptop. Brad Niessen gave some basic care tips - Don't use Windex on a screen. Overcharging a battery can shorten the life of a battery. Don't transport a laptop that is on. Never carry a laptop in your backpack and protect it with a good case. Clean out the computer every so often. He suggests once a year to defragment your hard drive. Scan for Spyware and protect against viruses. Be careful with food and drink and extreme temperatures. Most of this information I had heard before but it was a good refresher course. I always enjoy listening to his podcasts.
The other article U.S. born don't learn the language easily stated that kids are still having trouble with English as a second language even after seven years. Hispanic students have the highest drop out rate and 1 out of 10 Hispanic students make up 70% of ESL learners. I think it would be extremely tough to learn a second language if only your 1st language was used at home and you received no support from your family. It was noted that Hispanic parents need to help and make schooling a priority like Asian parents. I liked the comment "Cultural differences should not be allowed to become a justification for inaction."
Podcast postings for March 27-29
Kidcast with Dan Schmidt
Episode # 39 Photo Story and Jodix
March 23, 2007
Microsoft has a product called "photo story" which is a free download to help a person create exciting video stories by adding panning and zooming effects to a persons pictures, and allows a person to add titles and background music to a story. This product is similar to i-movie for Mac users. Jodix is a converter for Windows that converts videos to podcasts. I liked how Dan shares items for both PC and Mac users. His non bias toward platforms increases his listener base.
Kidcast with Dan Schmidt
Episode #26 Sound seeing tours
May 24, 2006
I liked this episode because it gave several good examples of a sound seeing tour. I liked the sound effects that were left in the background when the people were talking about where they were. One episode was in a cave and you could hear the creeping sounds and echoes. Another episode was at the New York City library - on the front steps you could hear all the car noise and hustle and bustle of the City. He talked about how to produce such a podcast. He stressed 1. effective planning, selecting a good location with a good story, 2. Sequence matters and who is going to say what and when. Ask yourself - What do you want the listener to learn and know.
Sound seeing tours make it interesting and exciting for someone else listening. This type of podcast reminded me of a good book on CD - something that will hold your interest for hours and make driving for long hours go by quickly.
The Tech Teacher
Love Your Laptop
March 21, 2007
I really liked this episode, I learned some good basics of how to care for a laptop. Brad Niessen gave some basic care tips - Don't use Windex on a screen. Overcharging a battery can shorten the life of a battery. Don't transport a laptop that is on. Never carry a laptop in your backpack and protect it with a good case. Clean out the computer every so often. He suggests once a year to defragment your hard drive. Scan for Spyware and protect against viruses. Be careful with food and drink and extreme temperatures. Most of this information I had heard before but it was a good refresher course. I always enjoy listening to his podcasts.
Wednesday, March 28, 2007
Articles on Cyndi's site to read - March 27-29
I liked how the teacher incorporated rap music into history class - clever. Students actually read more and are more attentive to what they are reading because they want to be able to find good words to add to their songs. I will have to remember this because I can rap, I can't sing and it is fun. I have made and used a rap song for one of my teachings and I also like the idea of having the students composing their own rap.
Can video games help kids - I personally think games help students with knowledge skills and eye hand coordination - I think this is another reason kids are so quick on the computer today. Many games and sites are challenging and educationally. Others must think so also if they investing that kind of money for video games. A popular site right now for elementary and middle level students is Webkinz. It is an educational site that gives you points to so you can build and feed your animal. Also, it lets you interact with your friends if they are logged in at the same time. You can invite their pet over to see your virtual house and you can go to their virtual house.
I think putting presidential candidates on My Space is a good idea. This makes this information easy and readily accessible for many people wanting to familiarize themselves with the candidates. How convenient.
Real world problem solving and technology integration in schools. I agree that students need access to technology to use technology, but I also agree that students should not have free rein. It would be nice to see science in context but time and other factors considered this is not always possible, why not simulations, biomes, guest speakers, United Streaming, local museums, state attractions, etc... One other thought, students should be able to use their cell phone in an emergency or at lunch, but during class hours, I have to agree, no phones.
Enhancing education through technology. Wow! This is so true. How exciting school is it when students use technology to learn new things. Kids enjoy playing on the computer and searching for information, if only more teachers could understand the power of technology. I am amazed at how little technology actually is integrated into lessons. I agree, the more a person uses technology, the more capable and comfortable a person becomes with the new technology. However, when teachers are so busy, they need to find time to learn some new technology. Just like business people, dentists, doctors, any profession, a person must keep learning and challenging themselves to stay up on the latest to be the best in their profession. No one said it would be easy, but it is very rewarding, the more you learn about technology and how to really use it to your advantage.
Can video games help kids - I personally think games help students with knowledge skills and eye hand coordination - I think this is another reason kids are so quick on the computer today. Many games and sites are challenging and educationally. Others must think so also if they investing that kind of money for video games. A popular site right now for elementary and middle level students is Webkinz. It is an educational site that gives you points to so you can build and feed your animal. Also, it lets you interact with your friends if they are logged in at the same time. You can invite their pet over to see your virtual house and you can go to their virtual house.
I think putting presidential candidates on My Space is a good idea. This makes this information easy and readily accessible for many people wanting to familiarize themselves with the candidates. How convenient.
Real world problem solving and technology integration in schools. I agree that students need access to technology to use technology, but I also agree that students should not have free rein. It would be nice to see science in context but time and other factors considered this is not always possible, why not simulations, biomes, guest speakers, United Streaming, local museums, state attractions, etc... One other thought, students should be able to use their cell phone in an emergency or at lunch, but during class hours, I have to agree, no phones.
Enhancing education through technology. Wow! This is so true. How exciting school is it when students use technology to learn new things. Kids enjoy playing on the computer and searching for information, if only more teachers could understand the power of technology. I am amazed at how little technology actually is integrated into lessons. I agree, the more a person uses technology, the more capable and comfortable a person becomes with the new technology. However, when teachers are so busy, they need to find time to learn some new technology. Just like business people, dentists, doctors, any profession, a person must keep learning and challenging themselves to stay up on the latest to be the best in their profession. No one said it would be easy, but it is very rewarding, the more you learn about technology and how to really use it to your advantage.
Sunday, March 11, 2007
Podcasts for week of March 6-13
Episode Title: Kidcast: Texas notes, Crowdabout
Episode: # 38
Date: 2-26-2007
I liked Dan Schmidt's new opening - he had high school students from Texas introduce him. He talked about podcasting and professional development and gave a few examples of how different content teachers were integrating podcasts into their classrooms and making them available for others to use.
I learned that he is writing his third book - "Strategies, Ideas, and Activities" - which is a book for implementing podcasting into the classroom. He noted how books are good and a good foundation but some of the information in the books is forever changing and being updated. I also never made the connection between him and Garage Band Mechanics until this episode.
Another interesting idea he had was for educators to enlist the talents of local radio personalities to talk to their students. This would give the students a chance to see how these people developed their radio personalities and might help the students develop their own personalities for their podcasts. By inviting people like radio broadcasters, public speakers,etc.. speak to school kids - this is just another way to help students become more effective communicators and speakers.
He often mentions - ali.apple.com for a site to check out. Also, Dan mentioned crowdabout.us - a site to check for integrating audio and visual comments to your podcasts.
Episode Title: The TechTeascher
Episode: # 24
Date: 10-09-2006
Integrating MP3 Players into the classroom - These devices are easier to use when editing content, storing, and sharing versus traditional tape recorders. There are many uses for these devices. I liked the idea - give kids the latest tech devices and learning turns into fun.
Kids find learning engaging and memorable when using MP3's. Use these devices to record fluency and reading ability of students. Allow the students to take home devices and a book and practice reading. Record notes for students who are sick. Students could record their thoughts and then type up their paper later worrying about grammar, etc... Teachers could record strategies and activities for take home work. He had numerous ideas and uses for integrating MP3 players into the classroom. These and other ideas can be found on his website niessen@cox.net
Episode Title: Teaching with Technology
Episode: # 1 - Educational technology
Date: 10-04-2006
Tina Coffey turned her school newsletter into a Blog because many people, especially teachers multi-task. So she suggested listening while completing some other project. My thought - I have always enjoyed listening to talk shows - people calling in to hosts - two way communication while driving or listening to books on CD - very comparable to podcasts. We also use blogs in numerous classes and it is nice to read other students comments about the same material, because others often point out things you might have missed or look at somethings differently.
Tina made a podcast informing the teachers at her school about the blog site. Tina's Blog letter - a new type of news letter. It is a Blog to keep people informed versus sending out a newsletter. Blogging - a two way form of communication. She talked about how a person could respond to anything written on the blog and other people could possibly benefit from other's comments. She gave several Ideas - Be honest, don't use kids names, visit any time, stay with topic at hand.
She also suggested in her blog letter to make a computer lab seating chart for your class - by assigning computers to students to use from here on out, students learn to take ownership of their work area.
Technology is content versus technology - Teachers when asking for tech help should ask how can I integrate technology into my classroom, instead of will you teach power point, or this program. Example - I'm teaching a lesson on Famous figures, How can I integrate technology into this lesson?
Episode: # 38
Date: 2-26-2007
I liked Dan Schmidt's new opening - he had high school students from Texas introduce him. He talked about podcasting and professional development and gave a few examples of how different content teachers were integrating podcasts into their classrooms and making them available for others to use.
I learned that he is writing his third book - "Strategies, Ideas, and Activities" - which is a book for implementing podcasting into the classroom. He noted how books are good and a good foundation but some of the information in the books is forever changing and being updated. I also never made the connection between him and Garage Band Mechanics until this episode.
Another interesting idea he had was for educators to enlist the talents of local radio personalities to talk to their students. This would give the students a chance to see how these people developed their radio personalities and might help the students develop their own personalities for their podcasts. By inviting people like radio broadcasters, public speakers,etc.. speak to school kids - this is just another way to help students become more effective communicators and speakers.
He often mentions - ali.apple.com for a site to check out. Also, Dan mentioned crowdabout.us - a site to check for integrating audio and visual comments to your podcasts.
Episode Title: The TechTeascher
Episode: # 24
Date: 10-09-2006
Integrating MP3 Players into the classroom - These devices are easier to use when editing content, storing, and sharing versus traditional tape recorders. There are many uses for these devices. I liked the idea - give kids the latest tech devices and learning turns into fun.
Kids find learning engaging and memorable when using MP3's. Use these devices to record fluency and reading ability of students. Allow the students to take home devices and a book and practice reading. Record notes for students who are sick. Students could record their thoughts and then type up their paper later worrying about grammar, etc... Teachers could record strategies and activities for take home work. He had numerous ideas and uses for integrating MP3 players into the classroom. These and other ideas can be found on his website niessen@cox.net
Episode Title: Teaching with Technology
Episode: # 1 - Educational technology
Date: 10-04-2006
Tina Coffey turned her school newsletter into a Blog because many people, especially teachers multi-task. So she suggested listening while completing some other project. My thought - I have always enjoyed listening to talk shows - people calling in to hosts - two way communication while driving or listening to books on CD - very comparable to podcasts. We also use blogs in numerous classes and it is nice to read other students comments about the same material, because others often point out things you might have missed or look at somethings differently.
Tina made a podcast informing the teachers at her school about the blog site. Tina's Blog letter - a new type of news letter. It is a Blog to keep people informed versus sending out a newsletter. Blogging - a two way form of communication. She talked about how a person could respond to anything written on the blog and other people could possibly benefit from other's comments. She gave several Ideas - Be honest, don't use kids names, visit any time, stay with topic at hand.
She also suggested in her blog letter to make a computer lab seating chart for your class - by assigning computers to students to use from here on out, students learn to take ownership of their work area.
Technology is content versus technology - Teachers when asking for tech help should ask how can I integrate technology into my classroom, instead of will you teach power point, or this program. Example - I'm teaching a lesson on Famous figures, How can I integrate technology into this lesson?
Ted Talks Sir Ken Robinson
Out of Our Minds: Learning to be creative
What a question, What will our world look like in 2065? I never really thought about it. I wake up in the morning and am constantly on the move and I personally don't take the time to stop and ponder. Now, that I think about how things have changed since I have been in grade school, WOW! I liked his point about valuing the creativity in people and educating the whole child. We have a tendency to educate only the mind and only on one side.
I distinctly remembering wanting to go into the arts, and my mother refused. What will you do with a graphic design degree? That was 25 years ago.
Keeping creativity alive, it is o-kay to be wrong. Mistakes are what make great things. Kids aren't afraid to make mistakes. I liked his thought - you will never come up with anything great if you are not prepared to wrong or afraid to be wrong. Creativity - looking at things differently.
What a question, What will our world look like in 2065? I never really thought about it. I wake up in the morning and am constantly on the move and I personally don't take the time to stop and ponder. Now, that I think about how things have changed since I have been in grade school, WOW! I liked his point about valuing the creativity in people and educating the whole child. We have a tendency to educate only the mind and only on one side.
I distinctly remembering wanting to go into the arts, and my mother refused. What will you do with a graphic design degree? That was 25 years ago.
Keeping creativity alive, it is o-kay to be wrong. Mistakes are what make great things. Kids aren't afraid to make mistakes. I liked his thought - you will never come up with anything great if you are not prepared to wrong or afraid to be wrong. Creativity - looking at things differently.
Sunday, February 25, 2007
Podcasts for the week of February 20-27
Moving at the Speed of Creativity
Episode Title: Ideas for International Study Students Adopting Interactive Podcasting
Episode #: 127
Date: 2-08-07
Interviews with two teachers share how they can use interactive technology at the TCEA conference. Colleges that participate in international studies could use a classroom on their campus to communicate with their fellow classmates back home. She wants to see AT&T take an active role in helping students achieve this.
Stef Paramoure interviewed Wesley Fryer. He talked how excited and motivated kids are about using what is out there and recreating what is out there it to make it their own. Kids are synthesizing ideas and thinking outside the box. He said it is important to formulate ideas for inspiring students to be creative, productive, and constructive. Question came up - What about the administrators that think this is dangerous - He stated that the best advocates are the students themselves - empowering students and letting them be the resources to help others see what is possible and show these adults what can be accomplished. Wesley spoke highly about digital storytelling - kids creating and showing the results of their work.
Episode Title: WoW What’s on the Web
Episode: # 22
Date: 8-30-2006
Free software for the classroom. www.freeserifsotware
Page plus SE - publishing program - similar to desktop publishing - making flyers and forms, etc..
Photo plus 6.0 - similar to photo shop elements
Web plus 6.0
Draw plus 4.0 - graphic drawings with a wizard
3 D plus - animation capabilities
Required to register and then they will send you a code.
KidCast
Episode Title: Learning and Teaching with Podcasting
Episode # 2
Date: 10-06-05
Check out - The Speaking of History - perspective of a social studies teacher. Science at NASA - scientific exploration.
This was Dan Schmidt’s 2nd podcast and I found it very informative. I wanted to see if his podcasts have changed any over the year and a half since he started; however, they are relatively the same.
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