Saturday, January 30, 2010
Some EduCon Quotes
I grabbed these off of Twitter!
"iPads and IWBs present illusion of modernity without having to change practice."
"IWBs reinforce the dominance of the front of the room."
"Engagement isn't something you do to other people."
Gary Stager Educon 2010
"iPads and IWBs present illusion of modernity without having to change practice."
"IWBs reinforce the dominance of the front of the room."
"Engagement isn't something you do to other people."
Gary Stager Educon 2010
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Study: Social networks reflect, rather than influence, social development
Click the link below for this article!
Study: Social networks reflect, rather than influence, social development
Study: Social networks reflect, rather than influence, social development
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Digital Natives Need Tech-Rich Education
Tapscott: Digital natives need tech-rich education
This is a quick read and excellent reminder.
Brad
This is a quick read and excellent reminder.
Brad
Monday, January 25, 2010
Jan. 25 - PhotoSharing
PhotoSharing Blog Post 01.25.10
Reflections on the process of learning about the tool (3 points)
The use of photo sharing sites has been something I have been doing for quite a long time, so my learning curve wasn’t too steep here. More like a gentle walk! I have used these types of sites primarily for the archiving of photos and sharing them with my students in my EDIT class. However and with this said, I know these sites offer a lot more bang for the bucl than I have been using.
My previous thinking has been that these sites are a safe place to keep my memories. And, because I don’t trust anything on the web, I have photos all over the place. I have used Flickr (just started and really like it), PhotoBucket (great editing tools), Picasa (great integration with all my Google tools) and Picnik (access to all my photosharing sites). All of these sites have merit and a variety of different features that make them all attractive to different kinds of users. The ease of use and seamless sign-up makes them all great.
Discussion of the tool in terms of your personal learning (e.g. me as a learner, me as a parent, me as part of a social group) (3 points)
Over the last week of using Flickr and these other tools, I have found the ability to edit photos on the sites instead of using software like PhotoShop or Aperture a bit of a coup. The ability to use these sites to generate embed codes so serve photos up for different websites and blogs is also very useful to me on a personal and professional level. Images on my EDIT 302 blog and personal blog are being served from these sites.
I all honesty, I don’t like to share my photos with anyone but family and do not like exposing my anonymity or my family’s to the world. This might be because I am over protective of the girls in my life.
I do like the ability these sites offer to search for photos that are tagged and use them in the things I am working on. I also like the ability for my students to be able to find photos that are shared (Fair Use) to use in the projects I ask them to create in the classes I teach. I am hoping that the use of these shared photos will be something my Education students will take into the classroom when they are teachers and model for their students.
Discussion of the tool in terms of your professional learning (e.g. me as a teacher, me as a school leader, me as a teacher-librarian, me as a member of professional learning communities/networks). This takes into account technology integration, use in schools, pros and cons, etc. (3 points)
The ability to take the photos and integrate them into the different technology projects I have on the go is the most beneficial part of these websites to me and my students. The use of these types of technologies is exactly what schools should be striving for. Schools cannot afford to keep investing in expensive software that constantly needs upgrades and maintenance. The public and secondary system just can’t afford it. And…, why would they continue to buy software when there is so much great software out there that can be utilized in the classroom for FREE.
Of course one of the drawbacks and fears of all teachers is what happens when the network is down and you or your students can’t access the images you need during your class. That’s why I always have and teach my students to have a Plan B when using technology!
It is really hard to narrow down which one of these sites is the best when they all offer different and great things. If I had to choose, I think I’d give my nod to Picnik because of its ability to grab photos from all the other photosharing sites I belong to.
Evidence of Research and Further Reading (3 points)
From the readings, I am in full agreement that photosharing sites allow for the development of many different types of literacy. With these types of sites, 21st century literacies are particularly augmented. The Connected Classroom’s Wiki on this topic is quite good.I also found the reference to “folksonomies” particularly interesting and it was definitely a bit of new learning for me.
I think another key learning from the readings I took away was the development of affinity and social participation that is required to adopt these tools. I really do believe this to be true on a personal level and for the students I teach. I really need to see the “pay off” and I think all teachers do before I adopt a piece of technology or the use of a technology, software or a Web 2.0 site like any of these photosharing sites.
Another piece of new learning I took away was the ability to annotate a photo in Flickr. I thought this would be incredibly useful for teachers as well as students. The examples on annotation that were given in the book were excellent. I think it is one of the best parts of Flickr and it’s dead easy to do. I have included an annotated photo in this Blog. I also like Flickr’s ability send photos directly to a blog. Some of the other sites offer this as well.
One final piece of side learning that I’ve taken away from my readings and exploration is Bitly and Tiny url. Bitly gets my nod only because I tried it first and it worked the first time. A very important thing for teachers!
Reflections on the process of learning about the tool (3 points)
The use of photo sharing sites has been something I have been doing for quite a long time, so my learning curve wasn’t too steep here. More like a gentle walk! I have used these types of sites primarily for the archiving of photos and sharing them with my students in my EDIT class. However and with this said, I know these sites offer a lot more bang for the bucl than I have been using.
My previous thinking has been that these sites are a safe place to keep my memories. And, because I don’t trust anything on the web, I have photos all over the place. I have used Flickr (just started and really like it), PhotoBucket (great editing tools), Picasa (great integration with all my Google tools) and Picnik (access to all my photosharing sites). All of these sites have merit and a variety of different features that make them all attractive to different kinds of users. The ease of use and seamless sign-up makes them all great.
Discussion of the tool in terms of your personal learning (e.g. me as a learner, me as a parent, me as part of a social group) (3 points)
Over the last week of using Flickr and these other tools, I have found the ability to edit photos on the sites instead of using software like PhotoShop or Aperture a bit of a coup. The ability to use these sites to generate embed codes so serve photos up for different websites and blogs is also very useful to me on a personal and professional level. Images on my EDIT 302 blog and personal blog are being served from these sites.
I all honesty, I don’t like to share my photos with anyone but family and do not like exposing my anonymity or my family’s to the world. This might be because I am over protective of the girls in my life.
I do like the ability these sites offer to search for photos that are tagged and use them in the things I am working on. I also like the ability for my students to be able to find photos that are shared (Fair Use) to use in the projects I ask them to create in the classes I teach. I am hoping that the use of these shared photos will be something my Education students will take into the classroom when they are teachers and model for their students.
Discussion of the tool in terms of your professional learning (e.g. me as a teacher, me as a school leader, me as a teacher-librarian, me as a member of professional learning communities/networks). This takes into account technology integration, use in schools, pros and cons, etc. (3 points)
The ability to take the photos and integrate them into the different technology projects I have on the go is the most beneficial part of these websites to me and my students. The use of these types of technologies is exactly what schools should be striving for. Schools cannot afford to keep investing in expensive software that constantly needs upgrades and maintenance. The public and secondary system just can’t afford it. And…, why would they continue to buy software when there is so much great software out there that can be utilized in the classroom for FREE.
Of course one of the drawbacks and fears of all teachers is what happens when the network is down and you or your students can’t access the images you need during your class. That’s why I always have and teach my students to have a Plan B when using technology!
It is really hard to narrow down which one of these sites is the best when they all offer different and great things. If I had to choose, I think I’d give my nod to Picnik because of its ability to grab photos from all the other photosharing sites I belong to.
Evidence of Research and Further Reading (3 points)
From the readings, I am in full agreement that photosharing sites allow for the development of many different types of literacy. With these types of sites, 21st century literacies are particularly augmented. The Connected Classroom’s Wiki on this topic is quite good.I also found the reference to “folksonomies” particularly interesting and it was definitely a bit of new learning for me.
I think another key learning from the readings I took away was the development of affinity and social participation that is required to adopt these tools. I really do believe this to be true on a personal level and for the students I teach. I really need to see the “pay off” and I think all teachers do before I adopt a piece of technology or the use of a technology, software or a Web 2.0 site like any of these photosharing sites.
Another piece of new learning I took away was the ability to annotate a photo in Flickr. I thought this would be incredibly useful for teachers as well as students. The examples on annotation that were given in the book were excellent. I think it is one of the best parts of Flickr and it’s dead easy to do. I have included an annotated photo in this Blog. I also like Flickr’s ability send photos directly to a blog. Some of the other sites offer this as well.
One final piece of side learning that I’ve taken away from my readings and exploration is Bitly and Tiny url. Bitly gets my nod only because I tried it first and it worked the first time. A very important thing for teachers!
Alex and Megan at the Banff Springs
Click on the girls to take you to Flickr and then click on the girls' faces to learn more about them!
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
The Mobile Learner
This Blog looks like it might have some potential and is run by an teacher in Ontario.
http://themobilelearner.wordpress.com/
Check it out!
Brad
http://themobilelearner.wordpress.com/
Check it out!
Brad
Monday, January 18, 2010
Introductory Post
Welcome to my Blog.
This is one of the many Blogs I have on the Blogger site, so I found the set-up part fairly easy, although I continue to have a few frustrations with Blogger and the intuitiveness of navigating the site. More importantly though, Blogger is free, it's part of the Google family and it is linked in with my other Google accounts making it, again, easy and convenient to use. One other plus that I find comfort in is the fact that Google is GIGANTIC enough that I know it's not going to disappear anytime soon. My stuff is safe!!
As far as the grading criteria for these Blogs, I guess I am comfortable with it. I don't like the fact that I am looking at an 11 or 12 as my first mark(s). I guess I'll have to try to beat that one!? I also agree with marks being awarded for what goes in the Blog, not just for the technical issues.
So here goes. I look forward to reading everyone else's stuff. Keep it short, sweet and to the point!
P.S. What I've got below is the same as I posted on eClass, so if you read that, don't feel obliged to read this again.
Respectfully,
Brad
This is one of the many Blogs I have on the Blogger site, so I found the set-up part fairly easy, although I continue to have a few frustrations with Blogger and the intuitiveness of navigating the site. More importantly though, Blogger is free, it's part of the Google family and it is linked in with my other Google accounts making it, again, easy and convenient to use. One other plus that I find comfort in is the fact that Google is GIGANTIC enough that I know it's not going to disappear anytime soon. My stuff is safe!!
As far as the grading criteria for these Blogs, I guess I am comfortable with it. I don't like the fact that I am looking at an 11 or 12 as my first mark(s). I guess I'll have to try to beat that one!? I also agree with marks being awarded for what goes in the Blog, not just for the technical issues.
So here goes. I look forward to reading everyone else's stuff. Keep it short, sweet and to the point!
P.S. What I've got below is the same as I posted on eClass, so if you read that, don't feel obliged to read this again.
Respectfully,
Brad
| Who Am I? | ||||
| ||||
| ||||
| Sometimes I really do have to ask myself that question. But more often than not, I find myself asking the question: Who do I want to be? This is what I strive for!! But, who we are is a product of where we've been and where we've come. This determines who you will be!! At least I think so. Below are examples of things that you could add to your page. Okay, here it is in point form!! | ||||
 | I was born and raised in Edmonton. | |||
| I live in Red Deer. | |||
| My favourite place - anywhere is Hawai'i! | |||
|
| I have two beautiful daughters. One is a tomboy (20) and the other a princess (14 going on 20). | |||
| I have a beautiful Wife (Nicole). | |||
| Calvin and Hobbes are my absolutely my favorite cartoon characters. | |||
| I have 20 years classroom (K-12 and Post Secondary) & administrative experience in B.C. & Alberta. | |||
| I have taught at RDC for 7 years now!! | |||
| I am the Program Chair for the Bachelor of Education Department. | |||
| I began my Ph. D. this Fall (09) in the Elementary Education Dept. at the University of Alberta. | |||
| Previous to RDC; I taught for 5 years at Central Middle School (as a Curriculum Coordinator, Renaissance Coordinator, Grade 6 Math, Science, Rec. Ed. 6, Librarian, Media Specialist, Grade 6 Team Leader, Leadership 7 teacher) here in Red Deer. | |||
| The first 8 classroom years were spent teaching everything from K-10 with some Admin. experience thrown in for good measure. The first two years were in a fly-in fishing village on the North Coast of B.C. | |||
| I love exercising. I like to try to go 4-5 days a week. | |||
| Red is my favorite color!! | |||
| DIET COKE is the elixir of life!! MONSTERS (the green kind) are a close second!! | |||
| Dog The Bounty Hunter is my favourite TV Show! Lost and 24 are very close behind! | |||
| I really believe (as I get older) that life is about the relationships you have with the people you care most about, not the "stuff" you have. | |||
| I believe the most important book you will ever read is "Seven Habits of Highly Effective People". If I were an Administrator again, this book would be required reading for all my staff. | |||
| I believe in absolute excellence in everything I do. I strive for it everyday. Expect it from me. Therefore, I expect it from those around me. | |||
| There is never enough time in a day! | |||
| "We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit." ~ Aristotle | |||
| I am left-handed. The only person in my whole family. It is the only way to go. But I can do many things right-handed. You should see me cut with my left-hand using right-handed scissors. | |||
Sunday, January 17, 2010
iPhone Apps
Some of the educational iPhone apps I Love and recommend are:
1. Dictionary.com (free)
2. Docs To Go - Word and Excel (pay)
3. NotifyMe - Push To Do list (free and pay)
4. SimpleMindX - Mind mapping
5. AppBox - 15 tools in one (free and pay)
6. PS Mobile (PhotoShop) (free)
7. FlashCards (free and pay)
8. WattPad (free book)
9. Lecture Notes (pay)
10. iHomework
11. Mathematical Formulas
12. Oregon Trail (pay)
13. Evernote (free)
Some FUN ones...
1. Yahtzee
2. Snood
3. Cribbage
4. Shazam (helps your totally rock out)
5. Uno
6. Flixster (Movies and more)
7. Cookie Bonus Solitaire
8. Choppers
9. Crazy Tanks
10. Aqua Moto
11. Let's Golf
12. Bejeweled
13. Tap Tap (totally rocks)
14. Arcade Hoops
15. Battleship ( a cool 21st century update of this classic) (Wifi enabled)
16. Bump
17. Trivial Pursuit (Wifi enabled)
18. Monopoly (Wifi enabled)
Enjoy,
Brad
1. Dictionary.com (free)
2. Docs To Go - Word and Excel (pay)
3. NotifyMe - Push To Do list (free and pay)
4. SimpleMindX - Mind mapping
5. AppBox - 15 tools in one (free and pay)
6. PS Mobile (PhotoShop) (free)
7. FlashCards (free and pay)
8. WattPad (free book)
9. Lecture Notes (pay)
10. iHomework
11. Mathematical Formulas
12. Oregon Trail (pay)
13. Evernote (free)
Some FUN ones...
1. Yahtzee
2. Snood
3. Cribbage
4. Shazam (helps your totally rock out)
5. Uno
6. Flixster (Movies and more)
7. Cookie Bonus Solitaire
8. Choppers
9. Crazy Tanks
10. Aqua Moto
11. Let's Golf
12. Bejeweled
13. Tap Tap (totally rocks)
14. Arcade Hoops
15. Battleship ( a cool 21st century update of this classic) (Wifi enabled)
16. Bump
17. Trivial Pursuit (Wifi enabled)
18. Monopoly (Wifi enabled)
Enjoy,
Brad
Thursday, January 14, 2010
LiveScribe Pulse Pen 1
Okay, I have a Pulse Pen by LiveScribe. This is one of the coolest pieces of tech I have seen in a long time. Once I saw this pen in use, all I could think about is all the uses there is for teaching and learning. Check out LiveScribe.com and see their videos. There are also a few videos on YouTube. I will post one here.
Monday, January 11, 2010
Welcome
Welcome to my Blog for my EDES 501 (Web 2.0 Tools) for the Winter Term 2010.
Here are some Web 2.0 sites I use with the students I teach. Try them out, I promise you'll take away a few gems!!
1. Bubble is a very cool mind-mapping site. [http://bubbl.us/]
2. Dabble makes more mind-mipas, but is awesome to use when it's on a SmartBoard. [http://www.dabbleboard.com/]
3. Evernote is a clipping site that syncs great with my iPhone. [http://www.evernote.com/about/download/#a-webclipper]
4. Glogster is an online poster making site [http://bmcdiarmid.glogster.com/]
5. Mixbook is an online booking making site [http://www.mixbook.com/]
6. Viddler is a great place to post your videos [http://www.viddler.com/]
7. Webs is a great site to build quick and easy web pages [http://www.webs.com/]
8. Wordle lets you put your favorite song, poem, thoughts or anything into a word cloud [http://www.wordle.net/]
Have a great one,
Brad
Here are some Web 2.0 sites I use with the students I teach. Try them out, I promise you'll take away a few gems!!
1. Bubble is a very cool mind-mapping site. [http://bubbl.us/]
2. Dabble makes more mind-mipas, but is awesome to use when it's on a SmartBoard. [http://www.dabbleboard.com/]
3. Evernote is a clipping site that syncs great with my iPhone. [http://www.evernote.com/about/download/#a-webclipper]
4. Glogster is an online poster making site [http://bmcdiarmid.glogster.com/]
5. Mixbook is an online booking making site [http://www.mixbook.com/]
6. Viddler is a great place to post your videos [http://www.viddler.com/]
7. Webs is a great site to build quick and easy web pages [http://www.webs.com/]
8. Wordle lets you put your favorite song, poem, thoughts or anything into a word cloud [http://www.wordle.net/]
Have a great one,
Brad
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