Wednesday, October 31, 2007

technology from the moment I wake up

I wake up in the morning to my radio alarm clock
I go to the kitchen and toast something in our toaster oven
I go to class and watch a power point
I do homework on blended education
I post things on forums for my classes
I send assignments via email
I check email and facebook
I write papers on Word
I search the internet
I drive a car

Wednesday, October 10, 2007

Podcasting

After creating a podcast I learned that it can be a very helpful tool in the classroom for helping children to learn information audibly. For example, I created a podcast that is a song to help kids learn the 50 states. I would inform teachers though that it is important to use the podcast to enhance learning and not be the sole focus of a lesson. For instance, I would have students not just memorize the 50 states but put it into context by teaching them where these states are on a map or have them label a map. I think that for the first podcast it was a slow process but I know the more and more I create the better and faster I would get. I would tell newbie podcasters to be patient because it will go slow at first and may be frustrating but once they get the hang of it they will be fine.

Wednesday, October 3, 2007

Podcasting

Yes, I will attempt to use podcasting in my classroom. After reading an article last night about all the different learning experiences podcasting brings into the classroom I am willing to implement this technology into my classroom. For instance, I really liked the fact that you can bring "expert voices" into the classroom through podcasts. Instead of having to find a guest speaker and make arrangements for them to come or arrange for the class to go and see them one can just bring someone into the classroom at the click of a button. Also, I like the idea of using podcasting for assessment. The teacher can have students make their own podcasts throughout the semester about what they are learning and it can serve as a portfolio at the end for the teacher to see their progress. With these practical uses that podcasts bring into the classroom I feel ready to bring them into my classroom.