Saturday, August 21, 2010
Sunday, August 15, 2010
Sunday, August 8, 2010
Saturday, August 7, 2010
Module 5 - Moving Toward Dynamic Technologies
Utilizing the continuum, I believe I am solidly in the middle. I have utilized static technologies previously, but over the past couple of years, I have integrated Wikispaces into more of my activities. I think Wikispaces is a great tool and is the future of online education, but the tools that are easily accessible and easier to integrate are more in the middle of the continuum. Although there are many useful and amazing tools now that fall in the dynamic end of the continuum, they are not widely available like Wikispaces, and require more instruction to use and create lessons.
References:
Moller, L. (2008). Static and dynamic technological tools. [Unpublished Paper].
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Module 4 - Engaging Learners with New Strategies and Tools
This weeks topic has us determine which technological tools and strategies are best for involving learners in building content knowledge, engaging in communication with peers and instructors, and working on authentic, collaborative, problem-based tasks in the online environment.
All learning cannot exist without there being topics and CONTENT. And that content cannot be transferred if COMMUNICATION does not occur.
During the learning process, it is also helpful to work COLLABORATIVELY. However, it is impossible to have collaboration without some type of COMMUNICATION.
Finally, to connect the cycle, the CONTENT that needs to be COMMUNICATED, can be COMMUNICATED through multiple avenues that include COLLABORATION with others.
With the versatility of technology and the integration of the internet, the number tools to use to teach have grown and will continue to grow. A resource that can utilze all of the three facets, CONTENT, COMMUNICATION, and COLLABORATION, is a FREE resource called WIKISPACES.
WIKISPACES allows for students to collect and build content, communicate, and collaborate in multiple fashions. Students can participate in "Discussions," create "Webpages," "Email" each other to communicate, and build other collections of work together.
I personally have been trying to integrate this tool into my personal classroom. I have been making small strides with this integration. Although there have been speed bumps, more of my students are engaged and are enjoying the work. This is the best benefit because many of my students are in my course because of their dislike or difficulty with science. Finding a way to teach them, and have them enjoy what and how they are learning, is worth the effort it takes to create quality online assignments.
(I might use these graphic organizers in the future, and with the use of Google Docs, I can update them now and for the future. Please offer any comments.)
All learning cannot exist without there being topics and CONTENT. And that content cannot be transferred if COMMUNICATION does not occur.
During the learning process, it is also helpful to work COLLABORATIVELY. However, it is impossible to have collaboration without some type of COMMUNICATION.
Finally, to connect the cycle, the CONTENT that needs to be COMMUNICATED, can be COMMUNICATED through multiple avenues that include COLLABORATION with others.
With the versatility of technology and the integration of the internet, the number tools to use to teach have grown and will continue to grow. A resource that can utilze all of the three facets, CONTENT, COMMUNICATION, and COLLABORATION, is a FREE resource called WIKISPACES.
WIKISPACES allows for students to collect and build content, communicate, and collaborate in multiple fashions. Students can participate in "Discussions," create "Webpages," "Email" each other to communicate, and build other collections of work together.
I personally have been trying to integrate this tool into my personal classroom. I have been making small strides with this integration. Although there have been speed bumps, more of my students are engaged and are enjoying the work. This is the best benefit because many of my students are in my course because of their dislike or difficulty with science. Finding a way to teach them, and have them enjoy what and how they are learning, is worth the effort it takes to create quality online assignments.
(I might use these graphic organizers in the future, and with the use of Google Docs, I can update them now and for the future. Please offer any comments.)
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
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