Lesson Implementations

Ok, thus far this semester I have learned about new tech tools that I wasn't completely aware of. This is exciting but also a little intimitating. I see the value of these tools in the classroom, but I am still finding it a little challenging to find the right fit. I am taking baby steps in using these tools.

Blogs, Wikis, Podcasting, Digital Video....I see this as the next natural step in working with this and upcoming generations of students. These students see technology not as a tool, but more as a foundation to their everyday life. Therefore, it is imperative that we as teachers use their "language" when teaching them content.

Podcasting

Greetings once again....today's post is about podcasts and their use in the classroom. First, I think podcasts are great for today's fast paced information dependent society. I appreciate the fact that I can get my news, sports, info, and other odd types of data in a quick manner. This beats watching the news or reading all the articles. It is condensed info.

To use this in the class is a real possibility. I think that the students would enjoy this type of media. I could possibly have them discuss a lab experiment and their conclusions. Or even have the students create a series of podcasts related to SOL reviews. Each student group could have a section of content and break it up into its separate parts. Then, they could discuss the main points, analogies, and other useful study tips. Together as a whole class, we could create an entire SOL review podcast available for anyone at anytime.

Digital Video

The concept of video is nothing new to technology. However, the digitalizing of it is relatively new and exciting. I think the use of digital video in the classroom is the way to go. Not only are kids familiar with it, it is more practical.

I see digital video being used as a tutorial in the classroom (especially with the implementation of the SmartBoards). I also see the possibility of allowing the students to create their own digital video relating to a project or activity. The possibilities are great.

Wiki Love?

The use of wikis as a tool in education is growing rapidly. Is it a "good" tool? I think it has its uses, but I also see some problems. There has to be accountability for the content that is posted. There seems to be the potential for misinformation being posted and learned by others. This directly contradicts the objective, but it may be unavoidable.

Does anyone have suggestions for using them? Specifically I am interested in:

• how do you make sure the info is accurate
• how do you make sure all the students are contributing

Blog on Blogs

Ok, so as I have discovered I too can create and use blogs in education. Prior to the readings I didn't realize the amount of critical reading involved. I can see the value in this. If a student is expected to reply to a blog or create their own, then they need to know their stuff. It is like a mini-persuasive essay each time. This is much more beneficial than just filling out a written response to a question.

I am eager to see more about how to use this in my class.

I found the following site to be useful http://awd.cl.uh.edu/blog/ It is a compilation of the use of blogs in education and covers a WIDE range of curriculums (and not just one teacher's adventure in blogging).

Here I Sit...

I wonder why. I wonder why.
I wonder why I wonder.
I wonder why I wonder why.
Why I wonder why.
I wonder why.

Blogs are new to me and I am skeert to use 'em. So, I am practicing.