Technology Autobiography Update

I started this class with mixed feelings: I was excited at the idea of learning about new tools to use in the classroom, and yet felt intimidated by the idea of delving deeper into technology. Over the past two and a half weeks I have been exposed to so many interesting, exciting and helpful technologies: RSS feeds, podcasts, digital storytelling, flickr, delicious, Jing, and the list goes on. For a "digital immigrant" like me born in the '60s all of that technology can be a bit overwhelming. I had no computers in high school and the first time I enrolled in U of L (back in 1983) you could only use the "blackboard" if you had chalk. I've come a long way. Last summer I was proud of myself when I purchased and used my first "jump drive." Look at me now. I'm blogging (I'm going to set up a Facebook account soon), making digital stories with Moviemaker, downloading software, like Jing (and using it), using Flickr, and taking notice of sites that offer RSS feeds. Wow! Is this really me?!

I have to admit that I am still intimidated by technology, but now I feel like I can find my way without getting too lost. I do realize the power and value of technology and computers; I know they have a place in the classroom. Technology is a wonderful way to engage and motivate students, either by using it as a tool in my instruction or letting the students use it in their learning activities. In addition, the use of technology gives students a wider and broader "classroom" in which to learn, and a wider and boader audience with which to share their work. Students can take true ownership in their own learning in a new way and that can be very empowering for students. Anything that can hook students, draw them in, and empower them to be confident learners while I am teaching will be in my teacher tool box.

This class has helped me to be even more motivated and engergized to learn all I can about technology and the many ways I can use it in the classroom. I am so looking forward to having my own classroom and having the opportunity to help my students move forward with technology and to see it as an educational tool, not just social. As I commented to Susan on her blog, I think this is a great time to be a new teacher, because we are on the wave of new technology being introduced into the schools. Go new teachers, blog, wiki, podcast, etc. like mad!

Model of Student Work for Final (U.S. Weather for May 25, 2009)

U.S._Weather_for_May_25,_2009


This screenshot was created using Jing software and a weather map at www.wunderground.com.

Choose Your Tool--Jing

Dear School Administrator,

I am writing this letter to persuade you to consider allowing downloads of a software called Jing on our school's computers. This particular software is free and works on either Windows PCs or Macs. The software has three main parts: screen capture, screencasting, and instant sharing on the web, email, or instant messaging.

In the screen capturing, the software allows the user to get a screenshot of a window, a pane, or a region of what's on the computer. An added bonus is that the user can add captions, highlighting, and arrows for special emphasis. With the screencasting feature, users can select a window or region and Jing will record a video of what is seen or done on the screen. If the user has a microphone, narration can be added with special features to pause and change windows if needed during the recording. The instant sharing of Jing allows the captured image or video to be uploaded to screencast.com and a link is created for the user to share on the web, in email, and or in instant messaging.

Downloading Jing can be beneficial for everyone in our school, but especially for students in the classroom. Teachers using their Tablet PCs can capture any ink annotations or writing of any kind used during lessons and students can view it at a later time for support or to refresh their memories. Other support materials can be created using Jing, and the Tablet PCs increase the possibilities. Extra materials can be created to address any areas of weakness by modeling subjects or concepts. Jing also allows introduction of websites, demonstrations of the uses of different websites, and specific training on certain areas of websites. Tours of websites can be created as well as collections of student work, which can be viewed by the school community and parents. But Jing doesn't have to be used only by teachers in the classroom. Students can use it themselves to showcase their own knowledge and learning. Anything mentioned above that the teacher can do, the students can also do, definitely enhancing their learning.

I hope you take my request seriously and allow the download of Jing on all of our school's computers. The whole school community can benefit. I look forward to hearing your decision soon.

Chapter 9 What it All Means

I have to say reading the entire book in about 3 days and digesting all of the new technologies I've learned in class over the last 2 weeks has been overwhelming at times, but also exhilarating. The idea that I can empower my students with the use of technology is exciting to me. The thing that has been on my mind the most is that in reality schools today are in a very traditional mode and aren't really moving toward technology very quickly. I see teachers as being the bridge between that traditional mode of learning and the plethora of uses for technology in the classrooms. Many students are already very savvy when it comes to computers and the web, but not so much when it comes to educational uses. It is up to us to get our students involved in the Read/Write Web for educational uses and encourage our schools to move forward more quickly in their use of technology.

Chapter 6 - The Social Web

The idea of bookmarking information so that you can find it easily is simple. The idea of social bookmarking is much more complex and fascinating. Teachers never have enough time. Have you ever known a teacher who was actually able to plan during their planning time? I haven't. I think the idea of social bookmarking can save valuable time for teachers and other harried people out there when they need pertinent information. It can also help keep teachers fresh in their approach to teaching by keeping up with the latest "best practices."

The idea of using LibraryThing.com or Shelfari.com to catalog and tag books that you and your class have read is great. It's a way to really involve students and connect them with others who may be reading or have read the same books. It broadens students' perspectives and gives credibility to the reading assignment (people besides the teacher value this book and are reading it too).

Chapter 8-Podcasts, etc.

The possibilities of classroom uses for podcasts, screencasting, and video are infinite. For a new teacher who is a digital immigrant that staggering number is a bit overwhelming, but at the same time exciting. I just have to remember to take it one step at a time. I know the power that technology can play in the classroom; students are engaged, motivated, and energized by it. I intend to incorporate technology in my classroom and instruction; I just might do it a little slowly as I become more knowledgable and comfortable with it.

Chapter 4 Wikis

I think perhaps the wiki can provide a student with a true sense of ownership and motivation like a traditional research paper cannot. Students can be part of something that is greater than themselves. That is very empowering. A student can experience real collaboration by being part of a wiki. The embedded chat boxes make the collaboration very real with "editors" and "writer" discussing the content as they work.