This is a great Media Literacy Guide from Common Sense Media. A teacher's best friend for teaching media literacy.
Media Literacy 101 - Get more College Essays
Sunday, November 2, 2008
Friday, October 31, 2008
Check out my media literacy YouTube post!
This is a podcast about Media Literacy in schools. It focuses on elementary level, but could be used at any level. The objectives of the podcast include defining media literacy, how media literacy affects children, and resources for teachers.
I am looking for feedback on its effectiveness. Please take a moment to answer a couple of questions.
1. How has this video added to your knowledge about Media Literacy?
2. Were the resources helpful in learning more about Media Literacy?
3. Any additional comments?
Thanks for taking the time to watch!
Jason
Sunday, September 14, 2008
New Posts
It's been some time since I have posted any new updates. For my regular viewers, don't despair! I will be posting new info and analysis this week for you to read. I am taking a new class online and YOU get to be the beneficiaries of my research. That's right, you don't have to do any of the work, just read my findings.
Until then, check out this video about teaching with technology, and...
C You soon!
Jason :)
Until then, check out this video about teaching with technology, and...
C You soon!
Jason :)
Monday, July 28, 2008
Safe Kids Vodcast
Here is a cleverly written vodcast on keeping kids safe created by Barbara Santora. Enjoy!
http://www.mydeo.com/videorequest.asp?XID=2412&CID=206989
http://www.mydeo.com/videorequest.asp?XID=2412&CID=206989
Utilize the Web 2.0 Benefits
Now that we have discussed concerns of privacy, security, and ethics in using Web resources, the following are several ways to utilize the benefits of the web while maintaining some degree of safety from hackers of information.
1. Cookies - go into your internet browser options and turn up the security level to only accept known cookies. You may also block downloads of unsigned Active X controls as well.
2. Subscribe to an antivirus software. McAfee is a good one.
3. Subscribe to an email spam filter. Your ISP should have this available to you for a nominal fee. Some internet subscriptions come with one as part of the package.
4. Your internet browser has an option to enter sites into a registry that you know are bad, so it will never allow you browse them. Conversely, there is a registry of "trusted sites" you may enter as well.
5. Keep your browsing software updated. New registries are constantly being added to new versions of your browsing software. Additionaly, keep you Operating System updated for the same reason.
6. Lastly, go to this Website (http://www.getnetwise.org/) to find tools and more information about staying safe online. They also have great how to video tutorials like this one to help keep kids safe online. This video is about changing preferences in Google to "Kid Safe" mode.
http://syn.getnetwise.org/flash/google-search-swf.swf
1. Cookies - go into your internet browser options and turn up the security level to only accept known cookies. You may also block downloads of unsigned Active X controls as well.
2. Subscribe to an antivirus software. McAfee is a good one.
3. Subscribe to an email spam filter. Your ISP should have this available to you for a nominal fee. Some internet subscriptions come with one as part of the package.
4. Your internet browser has an option to enter sites into a registry that you know are bad, so it will never allow you browse them. Conversely, there is a registry of "trusted sites" you may enter as well.
5. Keep your browsing software updated. New registries are constantly being added to new versions of your browsing software. Additionaly, keep you Operating System updated for the same reason.
6. Lastly, go to this Website (http://www.getnetwise.org/) to find tools and more information about staying safe online. They also have great how to video tutorials like this one to help keep kids safe online. This video is about changing preferences in Google to "Kid Safe" mode.
http://syn.getnetwise.org/flash/google-search-swf.swf
Web 2.0 Privacy Issues
Web 2.0 promises to give consumers the next generation of internet utility. However, there are pitfalls that come with such fast-paced change-privacy being one of them.
Web 2.0 applications such as Flickr, MySpace, and Digg, are just a few of a growing number of Web-based companies who are mining for information about you. Bit-Tech writer Will Harris sites some examples, "Digg knows what stories you've submitted, what demographic you're in, how other people in your demographic react to what you post. MySpace can break its users down by almost any statistic imaginable" He also states, "Flickr is perhaps one of the most interesting ones. Search for 'cat', and Flickr will record the most popular photo clicked. By associating the colour and picture data within photos with keywords used to search, Yahoo is slowly building a database of human identification (Harris, 2006)."
After hearing this, I get a little more uneasy about using these sites. I wonder what Facebook knows about me...hmmm! It kind of makes me think I should unsubscribe to all Web 2.0 applications altogether.
I guess it comes down to the tolerances of the end user. Do you mind if Yahoo, Google, and MySpace know everything about you? Who knows, maybe by knowing consumers' likes and dislikes, companies will be able to meet our needs and desires better and more efficiently. It's still too early to tell how positive or negative these changes will be.
In The Classroom
The biggest issues I've found in the elementary classroom are students being tricked by "the pop-up phenomenon" and students logging on to membership sites to play games. Regarding the later these "gaming" membership sites are off limits during school hours. Sometimes students will try to log on in spite of this school rule. Teachers must be constantly vigilant in the supervision of students while they are online. I've seen advertising Websites with a gaming section. When a child does a search for games, the gaming page of these Websites turn up in the results and children are lured in. A little snooping around in the site and we find pages that ask for personal information. Teachers, be sure you approve and inspect all sites your students will be visiting during school hours. A good idea would be to go to one of these sites in the beginning of the year and show students the personal information trap.
My personal philosophy about giving personal information is as follows. If it's a membership I care about I give the minimum required by the site. If it's a site I'm just curious about, I never give factual information. In my years of surfing and signing up, this philosophy has served me well.
In closing, I'd like you to watch a 5 minute video from YouTube.com about privacy in the digital age called Privacy and the Network of You. There are some very important points discussed which relate to how businesses think about privacy issues (YouTube, 2007).
Web Privacy Links:
Help Safeguard Your Privacy on the Web
http://www.microsoft.com/windows/ie/ie6/using/howto/privacy/config.mspx
JUNKBUSTERS Alert on Web Privacy
http://www.junkbusters.com/cgi-bin/privacy
Privacy and Profiling on the Web
http://www.w3.org/TR/NOTE-Web-privacy
Google search results for "internet privacy"
http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=internet+privacy"web privacy"
References
Harris, Will. Why Web 2.0 will end your privacy
http://www.bit-tech.net/columns/2006/06/03/web_2_privacy/1
YouTube.com. Privacy and the Network of You/Sun Microsystems.
http://youtube.com/watch?v=-vfXv5I_N-o
Web 2.0 applications such as Flickr, MySpace, and Digg, are just a few of a growing number of Web-based companies who are mining for information about you. Bit-Tech writer Will Harris sites some examples, "Digg knows what stories you've submitted, what demographic you're in, how other people in your demographic react to what you post. MySpace can break its users down by almost any statistic imaginable" He also states, "Flickr is perhaps one of the most interesting ones. Search for 'cat', and Flickr will record the most popular photo clicked. By associating the colour and picture data within photos with keywords used to search, Yahoo is slowly building a database of human identification (Harris, 2006)."
After hearing this, I get a little more uneasy about using these sites. I wonder what Facebook knows about me...hmmm! It kind of makes me think I should unsubscribe to all Web 2.0 applications altogether.
I guess it comes down to the tolerances of the end user. Do you mind if Yahoo, Google, and MySpace know everything about you? Who knows, maybe by knowing consumers' likes and dislikes, companies will be able to meet our needs and desires better and more efficiently. It's still too early to tell how positive or negative these changes will be.
In The Classroom
The biggest issues I've found in the elementary classroom are students being tricked by "the pop-up phenomenon" and students logging on to membership sites to play games. Regarding the later these "gaming" membership sites are off limits during school hours. Sometimes students will try to log on in spite of this school rule. Teachers must be constantly vigilant in the supervision of students while they are online. I've seen advertising Websites with a gaming section. When a child does a search for games, the gaming page of these Websites turn up in the results and children are lured in. A little snooping around in the site and we find pages that ask for personal information. Teachers, be sure you approve and inspect all sites your students will be visiting during school hours. A good idea would be to go to one of these sites in the beginning of the year and show students the personal information trap.
My personal philosophy about giving personal information is as follows. If it's a membership I care about I give the minimum required by the site. If it's a site I'm just curious about, I never give factual information. In my years of surfing and signing up, this philosophy has served me well.
In closing, I'd like you to watch a 5 minute video from YouTube.com about privacy in the digital age called Privacy and the Network of You. There are some very important points discussed which relate to how businesses think about privacy issues (YouTube, 2007).
Web Privacy Links:
Help Safeguard Your Privacy on the Web
http://www.microsoft.com/windows/ie/ie6/using/howto/privacy/config.mspx
JUNKBUSTERS Alert on Web Privacy
http://www.junkbusters.com/cgi-bin/privacy
Privacy and Profiling on the Web
http://www.w3.org/TR/NOTE-Web-privacy
Google search results for "internet privacy"
http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=internet+privacy"web privacy"
References
Harris, Will. Why Web 2.0 will end your privacy
http://www.bit-tech.net/columns/2006/06/03/web_2_privacy/1
YouTube.com. Privacy and the Network of You/Sun Microsystems.
http://youtube.com/watch?v=-vfXv5I_N-o
Sunday, July 27, 2008
Web 2.0 Ethics
There are many ethical battle raging online about "user rights" when using Web 2.0 applications. Pramit Singh of mediavidea found a quote from a commenter on Slashdot who writes, "This is not about 'your rights online'. LiveJournal is a private company, not a govenrment agency.
Their web site is private property, and it is not a monopoly.
To speak of 'rights' on their web site is sort of speaking about rights at K-Mart. You don't have any. If you don't like what K-Mart does, you leave and go to their competitor." (mediavidea, 2008)
Copyright material is another complicated issue which falls under the umbrella of ethics. Online content is streaming into our lives at such a high rate speed, it's hard to know what is, what isn't, protected. Luckily there are resources out there that will help to clear the air about educational fair use agreements. Here is a link to a guide for teachers on fair use. http://jeffcoweb.jeffco.k12.co.us/isu/library/copyright.html (jeffco, 2008)
Creative Commons is adding a new dimension for sharing content for free. Here is a YouTube video which explains Creative commons link between copyrighted and public domain.
The bottom line for classroom teachers is having conversations with your students. When students are aware of ethical issues, they are more informed to make correct choices when using online content. Following is a link to a lesson plan for elementary students as students consider possible ways to copy others' works using the Internet and learn that many forms of copying are illegal or unethical.
http://www.cybersmartcurriculum.org/lesson_plans/68_09.asp
References
mediavidea, Retrieved on July 27, 2008 from http://mediavidea.blogspot.com/2007/08/whose-rights-online-20.html
Jeffco County Schools copyright guidlines, Retrieved on July 27, 2008 from http://jeffcoweb.jeffco.k12.co.us/isu/library/copyright.html
Their web site is private property, and it is not a monopoly.
To speak of 'rights' on their web site is sort of speaking about rights at K-Mart. You don't have any. If you don't like what K-Mart does, you leave and go to their competitor." (mediavidea, 2008)
Copyright material is another complicated issue which falls under the umbrella of ethics. Online content is streaming into our lives at such a high rate speed, it's hard to know what is, what isn't, protected. Luckily there are resources out there that will help to clear the air about educational fair use agreements. Here is a link to a guide for teachers on fair use. http://jeffcoweb.jeffco.k12.co.us/isu/library/copyright.html (jeffco, 2008)
Creative Commons is adding a new dimension for sharing content for free. Here is a YouTube video which explains Creative commons link between copyrighted and public domain.
The bottom line for classroom teachers is having conversations with your students. When students are aware of ethical issues, they are more informed to make correct choices when using online content. Following is a link to a lesson plan for elementary students as students consider possible ways to copy others' works using the Internet and learn that many forms of copying are illegal or unethical.
http://www.cybersmartcurriculum.org/lesson_plans/68_09.asp
References
mediavidea, Retrieved on July 27, 2008 from http://mediavidea.blogspot.com/2007/08/whose-rights-online-20.html
Jeffco County Schools copyright guidlines, Retrieved on July 27, 2008 from http://jeffcoweb.jeffco.k12.co.us/isu/library/copyright.html
Web 2.0 Security Issues
In the next 3 posts, I will discuss Web 2.0 issues regarding security, ethics, and privacy. We tend to think of these Web 2.0 utilities as safe and harmless, but as this new technology leaks it's way into our schools and educational institutions, parents and the educational community grow more concerned about online safety and security.
I'll start with security.
When using Web 2.0 utilities, the number one security concern may be the staff itself. Staff training is necessary for effectivve implementation of any technology. If teachers sign up for membership without regard to privacy, ethics, or security, districts are at risk and have a daunting task of keeping the district network infrastructure secure. Teachers need to know the liabilities and risks associated with using software and online resources in the classroom. Many of the Web 2.0 applications require each end user to give personal information in order to use them. Parents also need to be aware of the information exchange happening at school as well.
It's important to review pertinent sections of your organization's technology plan. My school district does not have a specific security plan written into its tech plan, but it does have an internet user agreement opt-out form that is offered each school year. If parents don't sign, the assumption is that they grant schools permission to allow their child to use the internet for educational purposes. When teachers conduct internet projects with their students, it's a good idea to send a note home explaining the project and to inform parents of educational purpose of such projects. Additionally, at the beginning of the year, it's a good idea to discuss any security issues the district software may have. Throughout the course of the year, if new software is introduced, a similar conversation should take place.
A second security concern using Web 2.0 applications is the ability for hackers to break into these web applications and using them to infiltrate your computer. For example,"the newer forms of attacks take advantage of Web sites with rich content and
features: AJAX-enabled applications, embedded JavaScript and so on. These aren't really new technologies, but they're more pervasive now^' says Fciul Ferguson, network architect at Trend Micro. "And with [components like] Google Maps, where the processing is done on the PC instead of on the Web page, criminals are exploiting that avenue of content delivery The ability for Web 2.0 applications to deliver
that content is a Catch-22, because it also can allow you to be exploited." (networkworld, 2007)
Another example comes from Pfizer's network security breach using P2P file sharing software. Peer 2 Peer file sharing software allows users to share files on their hard drive via the internet. In the case of Pfizer, an employee mistakenly allowed hackers access to 17,000 of the employee's social security numbers. P2P software is prone to security breaches. For example if a music file is placed into a folder with sensitive documents, the software will scan PCs and recommend folders with media files for download (Computer World, 2007).
Web 2.0 is a wonderful and powerful resource for the business and education communities. However, proper employee and student training and awareness of the security risks will be necessary to ensure these mistakes don't happen in the future.
Web 2.0 security links:
Top 10 Web 2.0 Attack Vectors
http://www.net-security.org/article.php?id=949
Web 2.0 Security
http://www.net-security.org/article.php?id=1108
The security risk in Web 2.0
http://news.cnet.com/The-security-risk-in-Web-2.0/2100-1002_3-6099228.html
I'll start with security.
When using Web 2.0 utilities, the number one security concern may be the staff itself. Staff training is necessary for effectivve implementation of any technology. If teachers sign up for membership without regard to privacy, ethics, or security, districts are at risk and have a daunting task of keeping the district network infrastructure secure. Teachers need to know the liabilities and risks associated with using software and online resources in the classroom. Many of the Web 2.0 applications require each end user to give personal information in order to use them. Parents also need to be aware of the information exchange happening at school as well.
It's important to review pertinent sections of your organization's technology plan. My school district does not have a specific security plan written into its tech plan, but it does have an internet user agreement opt-out form that is offered each school year. If parents don't sign, the assumption is that they grant schools permission to allow their child to use the internet for educational purposes. When teachers conduct internet projects with their students, it's a good idea to send a note home explaining the project and to inform parents of educational purpose of such projects. Additionally, at the beginning of the year, it's a good idea to discuss any security issues the district software may have. Throughout the course of the year, if new software is introduced, a similar conversation should take place.
A second security concern using Web 2.0 applications is the ability for hackers to break into these web applications and using them to infiltrate your computer. For example,"the newer forms of attacks take advantage of Web sites with rich content and
features: AJAX-enabled applications, embedded JavaScript and so on. These aren't really new technologies, but they're more pervasive now^' says Fciul Ferguson, network architect at Trend Micro. "And with [components like] Google Maps, where the processing is done on the PC instead of on the Web page, criminals are exploiting that avenue of content delivery The ability for Web 2.0 applications to deliver
that content is a Catch-22, because it also can allow you to be exploited." (networkworld, 2007)
Another example comes from Pfizer's network security breach using P2P file sharing software. Peer 2 Peer file sharing software allows users to share files on their hard drive via the internet. In the case of Pfizer, an employee mistakenly allowed hackers access to 17,000 of the employee's social security numbers. P2P software is prone to security breaches. For example if a music file is placed into a folder with sensitive documents, the software will scan PCs and recommend folders with media files for download (Computer World, 2007).
Web 2.0 is a wonderful and powerful resource for the business and education communities. However, proper employee and student training and awareness of the security risks will be necessary to ensure these mistakes don't happen in the future.
Web 2.0 security links:
Top 10 Web 2.0 Attack Vectors
http://www.net-security.org/article.php?id=949
Web 2.0 Security
http://www.net-security.org/article.php?id=1108
The security risk in Web 2.0
http://news.cnet.com/The-security-risk-in-Web-2.0/2100-1002_3-6099228.html
Saturday, July 26, 2008
Web App Integration
After scanning the internet for cool Web Apps to use in the classroom, I came across several that have potential. Struggling with time factors in our daily schedule I decided to try just one and see how it goes. I chose to experiment with X Timelines, an extensive timeline builder with a wide array of timeline building tools (http://www.xtimeline.com/). Once a member you can explore, create and edit timelines. You can even invite other editors to edit your timelines. Within each timeline you can add video, photos, and text, as well as add embedded content for greater interactivity from the viewer. The builder interface is very easy to use and highly intuitive. I had no problem with slow connections or crashes. There are many pre-made timelines from which to view. I can create groups of timelines which act as folders to organize multiple timelines. The timelines themselves have an attractive layout and are simple to use...no overcrowded, button-laiden interfaces!
How will you use this resource? I plan to use this resource for enhancing and reinforcing the use of timelines to show events in history and as a way to graphically record major events in the lives of famous people.
♦ Please discuss how you will integrate this software for your teaching or how your students could use it. I plan to demonstrate the software by first, showing students a finished version. Then, I will demonstrate how to build a timeline using the online tools. I will show them options to make the timelines more interactive for viewers as well. I will model how to navigate the site and the timelines so students can efficiently utilize the site.
Please describe your pedagogy for the integration of the resource.
In what manner will you use this resource actively engage your students?♦
My pedagogy for this activity will be to demonstrate, model, and provide guided practice, along with independent learning time. I will present this assignment early in the year, so students will have this tool in the "belt" for the rest of the year as an option to extend their learning in other areas. I will use the classroom LCD projector to demonstrate and model. I will take students to the computer lab to provide structured guided practice, then later, I will provide station time to finish the assignment. Toward the end of the assignment we will have a "show day". This is where students will showcase their timeline projects using the LCD projector. Students can assess each students performance using the assignment rubric. Students may also self assess their own performance using the same rubric. Students will write a self reflection piece to compliment the learning unit.
Since most districts limit access to web sites, downloading and installing software, I want students to prepare documentation to present your case to your principal or individuals in charge of allowing access to technologies not part of the school programs. I understand that each district handles these requests differently. Please describe what you may need to complete in order to have access to this resource in the fall.
Since XTimeline is web-based, it does not require a download. All projects are saved on XTimeline servers. A letter to the IT staff would not be required for downloading purposes. However, HIPPA privacy issues may arise because each student would need his/her own username and password in order to create timelines:
Dear Sir:
I have recently been introduced to a new online software called XTimeline (http://www.xtimeline.com/). It is a timeline creator using Web 2.0 technologies. This software would greatly enhance my biographies unit. Since our district goal is to build 21st century learners, I am hoping I will have your permission to create user accounts for my students in order to use this website. My plan is to integrate technology with conventional learning to open up new horizons to accomplish existing goals for our students. If you have any quesions about my teaching unit, my technology integration plan, or XTimeline.com, please feel free to email me. Thank you for your consideration.
Jason Daniels
Will you have any IT administration issues to work through? none
What kind of documentation is required if any? I will provide the students with a rubric for completion of the biography timeline. One the rubric will be sections for quality, multimedia use, completeness, and grammar and spelling.
How will you use this resource? I plan to use this resource for enhancing and reinforcing the use of timelines to show events in history and as a way to graphically record major events in the lives of famous people.
♦ Please discuss how you will integrate this software for your teaching or how your students could use it. I plan to demonstrate the software by first, showing students a finished version. Then, I will demonstrate how to build a timeline using the online tools. I will show them options to make the timelines more interactive for viewers as well. I will model how to navigate the site and the timelines so students can efficiently utilize the site.
Please describe your pedagogy for the integration of the resource.
In what manner will you use this resource actively engage your students?♦
My pedagogy for this activity will be to demonstrate, model, and provide guided practice, along with independent learning time. I will present this assignment early in the year, so students will have this tool in the "belt" for the rest of the year as an option to extend their learning in other areas. I will use the classroom LCD projector to demonstrate and model. I will take students to the computer lab to provide structured guided practice, then later, I will provide station time to finish the assignment. Toward the end of the assignment we will have a "show day". This is where students will showcase their timeline projects using the LCD projector. Students can assess each students performance using the assignment rubric. Students may also self assess their own performance using the same rubric. Students will write a self reflection piece to compliment the learning unit.
Since most districts limit access to web sites, downloading and installing software, I want students to prepare documentation to present your case to your principal or individuals in charge of allowing access to technologies not part of the school programs. I understand that each district handles these requests differently. Please describe what you may need to complete in order to have access to this resource in the fall.
Since XTimeline is web-based, it does not require a download. All projects are saved on XTimeline servers. A letter to the IT staff would not be required for downloading purposes. However, HIPPA privacy issues may arise because each student would need his/her own username and password in order to create timelines:
Dear Sir:
I have recently been introduced to a new online software called XTimeline (http://www.xtimeline.com/). It is a timeline creator using Web 2.0 technologies. This software would greatly enhance my biographies unit. Since our district goal is to build 21st century learners, I am hoping I will have your permission to create user accounts for my students in order to use this website. My plan is to integrate technology with conventional learning to open up new horizons to accomplish existing goals for our students. If you have any quesions about my teaching unit, my technology integration plan, or XTimeline.com, please feel free to email me. Thank you for your consideration.
Jason Daniels
Will you have any IT administration issues to work through? none
What kind of documentation is required if any? I will provide the students with a rubric for completion of the biography timeline. One the rubric will be sections for quality, multimedia use, completeness, and grammar and spelling.
Friday, July 25, 2008
mashups
I recently investigated a few mashups to determine whether they will be helpful in my daily life or professional life. In technology, a mashup is a web application that combines data from more than one source into a single integrated tool; an example is the use of cartographic data from Google Maps to add location information to real-estate data, thereby creating a new and distinct web service that was not originally provided by either source (Wikipedia, 2008).
Following are the results from my investigation.
Foxytunes (http://www.foxytunes.com/)
FoxyTunes Planet is a personalized music aggregator. The website aggregates music videos, photos, news, bios and much more from the best music sites all over the Web into one convenient place. This site didn't require membership. I typed in a favorite rock band and it came up with a page with videos, internet search, songs, lyrics, and other info about the band, all on one page. This is very nice if you are looking for more info about a band. If you are looking to purchase a song from the band I would not recommend this site...too much information. Itunes is a better choice for purchases. I will not use this site in the future because I have no use for this kind of information both in the personal life and my professional life.
Spicypipes (http://www.spicypipes.com/)
The vision behind SpicyPipes is to create innovative and creative mashups that will be useful for your daily life. SpicyPipes would allow its users to create online mashups in seconds, where they can use the created mashups for personal use and share it with others through tagging. SpicyPipes seems to be created by non-English speaking programs. The grammar used on the pages was frequently incorrect. Membership is required and it was not intuitive to get to the register screen. Navigation on their site was not logical. The FAQ page had an error message and was not helpful at all. The idea behind the site is to give users the capability to create photo slideshows, search for travel destinations, and share an unlimited about of media. It will fetch photos from several photo sharing sites. Given the poor quality of this Website, I would not use it at all. There are other sites more suited for these purposes like Openkapow and Roxer.
Roadtriphelper (http://www.roadtriphelper.com/)
This is mainly a hotel finder for your next travel destination. Map. Compare. Book. The site is laid out well and is easy to navigate. After typing in a destination, the site was a little slow in retrieving hotel information, presumably due to the large amount of data it crunches. I received a map of the area, including street and satellite images, and a list of possible hotels in the area. This may be something I would use in my next travel vacation. It states that it uses data from the major travel booking Websites, but I didn't find impressive results in my searches.
Reference
Wikipedia, Retreived on July 25, 2008 from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mashup_(web_application_hybrid)
Following are the results from my investigation.
Foxytunes (http://www.foxytunes.com/)
FoxyTunes Planet is a personalized music aggregator. The website aggregates music videos, photos, news, bios and much more from the best music sites all over the Web into one convenient place. This site didn't require membership. I typed in a favorite rock band and it came up with a page with videos, internet search, songs, lyrics, and other info about the band, all on one page. This is very nice if you are looking for more info about a band. If you are looking to purchase a song from the band I would not recommend this site...too much information. Itunes is a better choice for purchases. I will not use this site in the future because I have no use for this kind of information both in the personal life and my professional life.
Spicypipes (http://www.spicypipes.com/)
The vision behind SpicyPipes is to create innovative and creative mashups that will be useful for your daily life. SpicyPipes would allow its users to create online mashups in seconds, where they can use the created mashups for personal use and share it with others through tagging. SpicyPipes seems to be created by non-English speaking programs. The grammar used on the pages was frequently incorrect. Membership is required and it was not intuitive to get to the register screen. Navigation on their site was not logical. The FAQ page had an error message and was not helpful at all. The idea behind the site is to give users the capability to create photo slideshows, search for travel destinations, and share an unlimited about of media. It will fetch photos from several photo sharing sites. Given the poor quality of this Website, I would not use it at all. There are other sites more suited for these purposes like Openkapow and Roxer.
Roadtriphelper (http://www.roadtriphelper.com/)
This is mainly a hotel finder for your next travel destination. Map. Compare. Book. The site is laid out well and is easy to navigate. After typing in a destination, the site was a little slow in retrieving hotel information, presumably due to the large amount of data it crunches. I received a map of the area, including street and satellite images, and a list of possible hotels in the area. This may be something I would use in my next travel vacation. It states that it uses data from the major travel booking Websites, but I didn't find impressive results in my searches.
Reference
Wikipedia, Retreived on July 25, 2008 from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mashup_(web_application_hybrid)
Adobe AIR application
Recently I downloaded and test drove the Adobe AIR Program (http://www.adobe.com/). In order to use this program fully, additional "add ons" must be dowloaded and installed on your computer. For my test drive, I chose two add ons, Quakeshake and The Kid Jukebox. Following are the results of my investigation.
Quakeshake
Easy install instructions? The instructions are not only easy to understand, but presented in an appealing format.
Intuitive usage-easy to use? Very easy to use. The Adobe Air environment is simple and intuitive, a sort of widget-like appearance.
Meaningful and purposeful for either your practice or personal interests? I chose add ons that were applicable to my teaching. Quakeshake tracks current earthquake data from all over the globe and displays the results on several maps. There is additional features included in the add on relating to earthquake data. I will use this to help support my earthquake unit at school.
Privacy and Security features? Although I have no idea how secure the features are, Adobe is a reputable company and I feel secure using their software.
Integration options to your practice? I would like to introduce my students to the Adobe AIR environment and download add ons that pertain to my units of instruction. The Quakeshake add on will be a hit in my classroom. This will enable my students to use currect scientific data with which to learn about earthquakes.
The Kid Jukebox
Easy install instructions? The instructions were very easy and intuitive.
Intuitive usage-easy to use? Very easy to use. The Jukebox operates with a series of slide down menus. There are 8 different stories and nursery rhymes. 3 steps to operate.
Meaningful and purposeful for either your practice or personal interests? I would have liked more songs, rhymes, and stories. It was a long download for what you get.
Privacy and Security features? No concerns about privacy or security. The content is public domain.
Integration options to your practice? I probably won't use this in my classroom. I need a more dynamic tool for searching and retrieving additional content which this program cannot do.
Quakeshake
Easy install instructions? The instructions are not only easy to understand, but presented in an appealing format.
Intuitive usage-easy to use? Very easy to use. The Adobe Air environment is simple and intuitive, a sort of widget-like appearance.
Meaningful and purposeful for either your practice or personal interests? I chose add ons that were applicable to my teaching. Quakeshake tracks current earthquake data from all over the globe and displays the results on several maps. There is additional features included in the add on relating to earthquake data. I will use this to help support my earthquake unit at school.
Privacy and Security features? Although I have no idea how secure the features are, Adobe is a reputable company and I feel secure using their software.
Integration options to your practice? I would like to introduce my students to the Adobe AIR environment and download add ons that pertain to my units of instruction. The Quakeshake add on will be a hit in my classroom. This will enable my students to use currect scientific data with which to learn about earthquakes.
The Kid Jukebox
Easy install instructions? The instructions were very easy and intuitive.
Intuitive usage-easy to use? Very easy to use. The Jukebox operates with a series of slide down menus. There are 8 different stories and nursery rhymes. 3 steps to operate.
Meaningful and purposeful for either your practice or personal interests? I would have liked more songs, rhymes, and stories. It was a long download for what you get.
Privacy and Security features? No concerns about privacy or security. The content is public domain.
Integration options to your practice? I probably won't use this in my classroom. I need a more dynamic tool for searching and retrieving additional content which this program cannot do.
Web Apps
Recently I have investigated several web apps to determine what they are, how they can help, and ease of use. I found all of my web apps from the Webware 100 Awards Website (http://www.webware.com/html/ww/100/2008/winners.html). Following is an analysis of my investigation.
Netflix (netflix.com)
Netflix is a DVD rental service that's run entirely on the Internet. Each user gets his or her own queue for movies to rent, and the service will ship out as many as four at a time via postal mail. The service doubles as a review network, as each user also can review movies they've seen and view other community members' takes too. Users also can give movies a thumbs up or thumbs down to receive suggestions for future rentals, based on what other users have rented.
Netflix has achieved its popularity for its low-priced rentals and lack of late fees. It's also well known for its WatchItNow service, which lets users stream entire movies on their computers.
How it can help
This is a wonderful way to avoid lines at the video store. No late fees, a huge collection, and a queueing system make Netflix easy to use and a must for movie watchers.
What criteria did you use to select your programs? Big company, ease of use.
Did you have any issues installing the software? None
Was the interface intuitive? Very
Did the program perform as stated? Yes
In what way was it purposeful in meeting your profession and personal interests? see above
Will you continue using this software in the future? Why or why not? Yes, Neflix is continually growing and becoming a more user friendly company.
Voicethread (ed.voicethread.com)
VoiceThread is a photo- and video-sharing tool. It lets users upload photos , videos and documents from their hard drive or other online services, and add voice, text, and video annotations to each slide. These 'VoiceBooks' can be embedded in blogs, Web sites, or social networking profiles. Other users can comment on each slide, draw doodles, or leave voice messages of their own.
In addition to the standard methods of adding voice comments to a photo, one thing that makes VoiceThread especially cool is the telephone integration, which lets you record messages using a standard landline or mobile phone.
How it can help
I already use this site with my students. It has great potential for peer to peer collaboration and critical thinking. There is a limitless array of possibilities for use in the classroom.
What criteria did you use to select your programs? Something that students can use to interact with one another. Student friendly interface.
Did you have any issues installing the software? no
Was the interface intuitive? yes
Did the program perform as stated? Yes
In what way was it purposeful in meeting your profession and personal interests? I had a couple of students test it and they were able to use it without my help. It made them think critically about their subject matter. I love it.
Will you continue using this software in the future? Why or why not? Definitely.
Facebook (facebook.com)
Facebook is a popular social networking service. Originally offered to college students, it later opened up its doors to anyone with an e-mail address. Facebook gives users a place to make and explore personal profiles and interact with friends. While offerings were initially limited to a comment board called "The Wall" and a personal picture, the site now has several in-house services like user chat, photo hosting, interest groups, status messages, link sharing, and the news feed.
Facebook's biggest move, however, was introducing a development platform that lets developers make their own "application" for Facebook. These applications can run the gamut, from single-use widgets to full-blown Web sites that can be accessed and integrated into a Facebook user's data. Users can add as many applications as they want, then integrate and rearrange them on their profile page.
How it can help
This is a cool way to keep in touch with friends and to start groups based on interests. I must admit, I don't like giving information to the site, so I don't participate in the full extent of the program. I get emails when someone writes somethings on my personal page, but that's about it. Ease of use gets about an 8 out of 10. There are so many web apps that can be applied, if you are not using Facebook often, it can be overwhelming.
What criteria did you use to select your programs? big company, ease of use
Did you have any issues installing the software? Yes, I didn't want to install software that can see my information.
Was the interface intuitive? somewhat, it has a steep learning curve if you don't use it much.
Did the program perform as stated? yes
In what way was it purposeful in meeting your profession and personal interests? I stay in touch with my friends much more since joining.
Will you continue using this software in the future? Why or why not? yes.
fixmymovie (fixmymovie.com)
FixMyMovie is a service that takes your pixilated digital video clips and does its best to make them look better. The technology stems from MotionDSP's processing technology, which is similar to what's used in government intelligence operations to improve those dark and grainy security films--like you see in movies.
Most recently, FixMyMovie added the ability to create a single high-resolution 1,280x1,024 JPEG image from a 320x240 video. The company also is contemplating use of the technology to stitch together smaller frames into a wide panorama, to improve image tones to retrieve detail in bright highlights and murky shadows.
How it can help
This will definitely help get the common user of movie editing software to the next level of quality. Drawback...it takes a long time to upload and download movies, so you better have a fast computer with a fast connection.
What criteria did you use to select your programs? new video editing gadgets
Did you have any issues installing the software? no
Was the interface intuitive? yes
Did the program perform as stated? Yes, but it takes a while to use due to bandwidth constraints.
In what way was it purposeful in meeting your profession and personal interests? If a person doesn't have editing software of their own, this is an alternative.
Will you continue using this software in the future? Why or why not? no I have my own software.
Picasa Web Albums (picasaweb.google.com)
Picasa Web Albums is Google's Web photo hosting service. Users get 1GB of free hosting, and images can be uploaded and manipulated using Picasa, Google's free desktop photo management application. Users who want additional storage can shell out up to $500 a year to bump up the hosted space to 400 times the size of the free hosting service.
We really like the integration between the desktop and Web application. Like .Mac and iPhoto, Picasa makes it really simple to take photos from your desktop and publish them online for others to see. We're also fans of the built-in geotagging that lets you set where photos were taken either by single photo, or by entire albums. It's a great way to browse photos if you feel like exploring.
How it can help
One thing I really love about this site is the Geotagging feature...Wow! I am going to use this to research new places to visit. I am contemplating using this in my classroom as a social studies activity.
What criteria did you use to select your programs? something innovative, easy to share.
Did you have any issues installing the software? no
Was the interface intuitive? Yes
Did the program perform as stated? Yes
In what way was it purposeful in meeting your profession and personal interests? It's easy to share photos. The geotagging feature is cool! I can use this with my students.
Will you continue using this software in the future? Why or why not? Yes as a social studies activity.
Itunes (apple.com/itunes)
iTunes is Apple's software jukebox. It started out as a Mac-only app before making its way to Windows users in late 2003. The software will let you manage photos, videos, and music files on your computer, then sync them up with Apple's array of portable media players.
People have mixed opinions of iTunes since it's only been open to Apple branded devices like the iPod and iPhone instead of being open to many competing devices as a platform. Despite this, it was one of the first mainstream programs to offer Internet radio and CD-ripping free of charge in a time while other jukebox software providers were not.
One of the reasons it's free is the inclusion of the iTunes Store, which lets users buy music, TV shows, audio books and movies, as well as subscribe and browse podcasts. This year, Apple unveiled the iTunes rental store, which forgoes the usual $10 purchase fees for films and lets users rent them for a limited period of time for about a third of the cost.
How it can help
Itunes is definitely the best RSS and music software I've seen. Recently I've discovered the Itunes U feature. I can't believe top universities are opening up their knowledge base to the public free of charge! I will be spending more time investigating this feature. Ease of use gets a 9 out of 10.
What criteria did you use to select your programs? needed something to received RSS feeds, download music, and talk to my Ipod.
Did you have any issues installing the software? It's a big program. Long to download and long to load.
Was the interface intuitive? Yes
Did the program perform as stated? Yes
In what way was it purposeful in meeting your profession and personal interests? See above
Will you continue using this software in the future? Why or why not? yes, I use it for the above reasons.
Netflix (netflix.com)
Netflix is a DVD rental service that's run entirely on the Internet. Each user gets his or her own queue for movies to rent, and the service will ship out as many as four at a time via postal mail. The service doubles as a review network, as each user also can review movies they've seen and view other community members' takes too. Users also can give movies a thumbs up or thumbs down to receive suggestions for future rentals, based on what other users have rented.
Netflix has achieved its popularity for its low-priced rentals and lack of late fees. It's also well known for its WatchItNow service, which lets users stream entire movies on their computers.
How it can help
This is a wonderful way to avoid lines at the video store. No late fees, a huge collection, and a queueing system make Netflix easy to use and a must for movie watchers.
What criteria did you use to select your programs? Big company, ease of use.
Did you have any issues installing the software? None
Was the interface intuitive? Very
Did the program perform as stated? Yes
In what way was it purposeful in meeting your profession and personal interests? see above
Will you continue using this software in the future? Why or why not? Yes, Neflix is continually growing and becoming a more user friendly company.
Voicethread (ed.voicethread.com)
VoiceThread is a photo- and video-sharing tool. It lets users upload photos , videos and documents from their hard drive or other online services, and add voice, text, and video annotations to each slide. These 'VoiceBooks' can be embedded in blogs, Web sites, or social networking profiles. Other users can comment on each slide, draw doodles, or leave voice messages of their own.
In addition to the standard methods of adding voice comments to a photo, one thing that makes VoiceThread especially cool is the telephone integration, which lets you record messages using a standard landline or mobile phone.
How it can help
I already use this site with my students. It has great potential for peer to peer collaboration and critical thinking. There is a limitless array of possibilities for use in the classroom.
What criteria did you use to select your programs? Something that students can use to interact with one another. Student friendly interface.
Did you have any issues installing the software? no
Was the interface intuitive? yes
Did the program perform as stated? Yes
In what way was it purposeful in meeting your profession and personal interests? I had a couple of students test it and they were able to use it without my help. It made them think critically about their subject matter. I love it.
Will you continue using this software in the future? Why or why not? Definitely.
Facebook (facebook.com)
Facebook is a popular social networking service. Originally offered to college students, it later opened up its doors to anyone with an e-mail address. Facebook gives users a place to make and explore personal profiles and interact with friends. While offerings were initially limited to a comment board called "The Wall" and a personal picture, the site now has several in-house services like user chat, photo hosting, interest groups, status messages, link sharing, and the news feed.
Facebook's biggest move, however, was introducing a development platform that lets developers make their own "application" for Facebook. These applications can run the gamut, from single-use widgets to full-blown Web sites that can be accessed and integrated into a Facebook user's data. Users can add as many applications as they want, then integrate and rearrange them on their profile page.
How it can help
This is a cool way to keep in touch with friends and to start groups based on interests. I must admit, I don't like giving information to the site, so I don't participate in the full extent of the program. I get emails when someone writes somethings on my personal page, but that's about it. Ease of use gets about an 8 out of 10. There are so many web apps that can be applied, if you are not using Facebook often, it can be overwhelming.
What criteria did you use to select your programs? big company, ease of use
Did you have any issues installing the software? Yes, I didn't want to install software that can see my information.
Was the interface intuitive? somewhat, it has a steep learning curve if you don't use it much.
Did the program perform as stated? yes
In what way was it purposeful in meeting your profession and personal interests? I stay in touch with my friends much more since joining.
Will you continue using this software in the future? Why or why not? yes.
fixmymovie (fixmymovie.com)
FixMyMovie is a service that takes your pixilated digital video clips and does its best to make them look better. The technology stems from MotionDSP's processing technology, which is similar to what's used in government intelligence operations to improve those dark and grainy security films--like you see in movies.
Most recently, FixMyMovie added the ability to create a single high-resolution 1,280x1,024 JPEG image from a 320x240 video. The company also is contemplating use of the technology to stitch together smaller frames into a wide panorama, to improve image tones to retrieve detail in bright highlights and murky shadows.
How it can help
This will definitely help get the common user of movie editing software to the next level of quality. Drawback...it takes a long time to upload and download movies, so you better have a fast computer with a fast connection.
What criteria did you use to select your programs? new video editing gadgets
Did you have any issues installing the software? no
Was the interface intuitive? yes
Did the program perform as stated? Yes, but it takes a while to use due to bandwidth constraints.
In what way was it purposeful in meeting your profession and personal interests? If a person doesn't have editing software of their own, this is an alternative.
Will you continue using this software in the future? Why or why not? no I have my own software.
Picasa Web Albums (picasaweb.google.com)
Picasa Web Albums is Google's Web photo hosting service. Users get 1GB of free hosting, and images can be uploaded and manipulated using Picasa, Google's free desktop photo management application. Users who want additional storage can shell out up to $500 a year to bump up the hosted space to 400 times the size of the free hosting service.
We really like the integration between the desktop and Web application. Like .Mac and iPhoto, Picasa makes it really simple to take photos from your desktop and publish them online for others to see. We're also fans of the built-in geotagging that lets you set where photos were taken either by single photo, or by entire albums. It's a great way to browse photos if you feel like exploring.
How it can help
One thing I really love about this site is the Geotagging feature...Wow! I am going to use this to research new places to visit. I am contemplating using this in my classroom as a social studies activity.
What criteria did you use to select your programs? something innovative, easy to share.
Did you have any issues installing the software? no
Was the interface intuitive? Yes
Did the program perform as stated? Yes
In what way was it purposeful in meeting your profession and personal interests? It's easy to share photos. The geotagging feature is cool! I can use this with my students.
Will you continue using this software in the future? Why or why not? Yes as a social studies activity.
Itunes (apple.com/itunes)
iTunes is Apple's software jukebox. It started out as a Mac-only app before making its way to Windows users in late 2003. The software will let you manage photos, videos, and music files on your computer, then sync them up with Apple's array of portable media players.
People have mixed opinions of iTunes since it's only been open to Apple branded devices like the iPod and iPhone instead of being open to many competing devices as a platform. Despite this, it was one of the first mainstream programs to offer Internet radio and CD-ripping free of charge in a time while other jukebox software providers were not.
One of the reasons it's free is the inclusion of the iTunes Store, which lets users buy music, TV shows, audio books and movies, as well as subscribe and browse podcasts. This year, Apple unveiled the iTunes rental store, which forgoes the usual $10 purchase fees for films and lets users rent them for a limited period of time for about a third of the cost.
How it can help
Itunes is definitely the best RSS and music software I've seen. Recently I've discovered the Itunes U feature. I can't believe top universities are opening up their knowledge base to the public free of charge! I will be spending more time investigating this feature. Ease of use gets a 9 out of 10.
What criteria did you use to select your programs? needed something to received RSS feeds, download music, and talk to my Ipod.
Did you have any issues installing the software? It's a big program. Long to download and long to load.
Was the interface intuitive? Yes
Did the program perform as stated? Yes
In what way was it purposeful in meeting your profession and personal interests? See above
Will you continue using this software in the future? Why or why not? yes, I use it for the above reasons.
Thursday, July 24, 2008
Widgets
I searched Yahoo Widgets [http://widgets.yahoo.com/] and found a vast array of widgets to add fun and functionality to my desktop and blog. All of my widgets came from Yahoo Widgets. Yahoo Widgets is a searchable database of both Yahoo-created and private-entity created widgets. I searched the top-rated widget downloads for interesting widgets, along with the newest widget creations. I found 7 widgets that may be beneficial to my daily life and my profession. These widgets automatically downloaded onto my desktop in a navbar on the side of my screen. With each new widget I download, comes a new icon on my widget navbar. None of these widgets were so important that they have permanently placed themselves on my 'do no remove' list.
10 Minute Lesson of the Day
This simple Widget gives a list of audio files on a separate page that tell stories of interesting events in history. Students enjoy hearing facts about history. It's a great way to get their attention before a lesson.
Calvin and Hobbes Fetcher
This fetches the famous comic series, one for each day of the year. It's just a pick-me-up at the beginning of a day.
History Slideshow
This widget is a skinny movable bar that is a slideshow timeline of major historical events, selectable from the 20th century BC to the 20th century AD. Again this is trivial knowledge that can be added to any lesson to spice it up.
Math Kards
These are flashcards for elementary basic facts in +,X,/,-. They are selectable by level and amount and time. I may used a widget like this and download it to each of my classroom computers as a quick review for students who have finished their work early.
Sun Clock
This is a world map in projection view that shows how the sun travels across the land. I may want to use this when I discuss the Earth, Sun, Moon relationship.
Today in History
The name says it all. It what you find in newspapers near the comics. It gives you a searchable database of historical events based on the current day. Kids would love to look up historical events and deliver them to the class in the morning.
Werewolf Monitor
No like it sounds. This tracks the movement of the moon around the Earth. This will be a great addition to the Earth, Sun, Moon unit.
Additionally, I found 3 gadgets that could increase productivity. I placed these gadgets on my iGoogle page. The gadgets include a large clock with date and time, local weather, and a Google Maps search window. It's nice to have a large and easy to read clock handy. I'm always interested in how the weather is so I can prepare for the conditions. Google maps is amazing. I'm looking for real estate at the moment, so this comes in handy when I don't know the road the property is on.
Widgets and gadgets have potential for being helpful in my personal and professional life. Right now I can live without them. I haven't found any that I can't live without. Maybe some day there will be one.
10 Minute Lesson of the Day
This simple Widget gives a list of audio files on a separate page that tell stories of interesting events in history. Students enjoy hearing facts about history. It's a great way to get their attention before a lesson.
Calvin and Hobbes Fetcher
This fetches the famous comic series, one for each day of the year. It's just a pick-me-up at the beginning of a day.
History Slideshow
This widget is a skinny movable bar that is a slideshow timeline of major historical events, selectable from the 20th century BC to the 20th century AD. Again this is trivial knowledge that can be added to any lesson to spice it up.
Math Kards
These are flashcards for elementary basic facts in +,X,/,-. They are selectable by level and amount and time. I may used a widget like this and download it to each of my classroom computers as a quick review for students who have finished their work early.
Sun Clock
This is a world map in projection view that shows how the sun travels across the land. I may want to use this when I discuss the Earth, Sun, Moon relationship.
Today in History
The name says it all. It what you find in newspapers near the comics. It gives you a searchable database of historical events based on the current day. Kids would love to look up historical events and deliver them to the class in the morning.
Werewolf Monitor
No like it sounds. This tracks the movement of the moon around the Earth. This will be a great addition to the Earth, Sun, Moon unit.
Additionally, I found 3 gadgets that could increase productivity. I placed these gadgets on my iGoogle page. The gadgets include a large clock with date and time, local weather, and a Google Maps search window. It's nice to have a large and easy to read clock handy. I'm always interested in how the weather is so I can prepare for the conditions. Google maps is amazing. I'm looking for real estate at the moment, so this comes in handy when I don't know the road the property is on.
Widgets and gadgets have potential for being helpful in my personal and professional life. Right now I can live without them. I haven't found any that I can't live without. Maybe some day there will be one.
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Social Networking
I joined three social networking sites, Classroom 2.0, a network of teachers and resources for the classroom, eastofanchorage.net, a forum for outdoor enthusiasts and those who love to climb, kayak, and kite, and Facebook, a social network designed for use outside of a work-related environment.
At first glance, Classroom 2.0 has an overwhelming amount of resources for members. It is built on top of Ning software. The main page of CR 2.0 has many features on the top menu. These include adding friends, photos, video, start a discussion, and edit your profile. Additionally, CR 2.0 has navigation links to wiki resources, My Page, members, news, forums, groups, and FAQ, videos, and photos.
It's important not to look too closely at the big picture when you first get started or you'll get overwhelmed. Take one feature at a time, check it out, and decide if it's something valuable. Personal settings are found at the top right when you log in. You can add or drop items from your personal page. Disussion are easy by way of a discussion box at the bottom of nearly every page in CR 2.0. There is a nice video tour given by the creator, Steve Hargadon, using Elluminate.
eastanchorage.net was created as more of an online journal by T. Kelsey. He prefers this format over the traditional blogs. The site encourages outdoor trip reports for all to read, but most of the posts are from T. Kelsey himself. eastanchorage.net functions much like our blackboard discussion forum. Most of the features on the UAS blackboard can be found on eastanchorage.net. I can post text and photos of my trips and view other posts from other members. To become a member, you must send the creator an email and he must approve your request.
Facebook.com is a fast growing network of social groups. I joined this one because I belong to an organization whose members get together and communication through Facebook. It's a very easy site to use and has many user friendly features, like viewing member photo galleries, using new web apps, joining new social groups, posting video, photos, and text. One of the most impressive qualities of Facebook is its' intuitive nature. Facebook recommends friends, notifies you of important information, and has an expansive cross-referencing database of friends. All of these features work in unison to create a highly interactive social experience.
At first glance, Classroom 2.0 has an overwhelming amount of resources for members. It is built on top of Ning software. The main page of CR 2.0 has many features on the top menu. These include adding friends, photos, video, start a discussion, and edit your profile. Additionally, CR 2.0 has navigation links to wiki resources, My Page, members, news, forums, groups, and FAQ, videos, and photos.
It's important not to look too closely at the big picture when you first get started or you'll get overwhelmed. Take one feature at a time, check it out, and decide if it's something valuable. Personal settings are found at the top right when you log in. You can add or drop items from your personal page. Disussion are easy by way of a discussion box at the bottom of nearly every page in CR 2.0. There is a nice video tour given by the creator, Steve Hargadon, using Elluminate.
eastanchorage.net was created as more of an online journal by T. Kelsey. He prefers this format over the traditional blogs. The site encourages outdoor trip reports for all to read, but most of the posts are from T. Kelsey himself. eastanchorage.net functions much like our blackboard discussion forum. Most of the features on the UAS blackboard can be found on eastanchorage.net. I can post text and photos of my trips and view other posts from other members. To become a member, you must send the creator an email and he must approve your request.
Facebook.com is a fast growing network of social groups. I joined this one because I belong to an organization whose members get together and communication through Facebook. It's a very easy site to use and has many user friendly features, like viewing member photo galleries, using new web apps, joining new social groups, posting video, photos, and text. One of the most impressive qualities of Facebook is its' intuitive nature. Facebook recommends friends, notifies you of important information, and has an expansive cross-referencing database of friends. All of these features work in unison to create a highly interactive social experience.
Google Reader - RSS
My Google Feed Reader is a handy creation for teachers. After spending the weekend preparing for next week's activities, and teaching all day, there is little time to pour through the endless research, lesson ideas, and innovations in education to keep me up to date and informed. With Google Reader, I can select from a wide variety articles across the educational spectrum and subscribe to their RSS feed. I have several feature at my fingertips; starred items, tips and tricks, manage subscriptions, friend's shared items, new trends, and quick access to all of the features in the Google family.
Now, at the end of a long day, my feed reader has filtered the articles that are important to me and condensed them into bite-sized chunks. I plan to continue using my feed reader next year. As we teachers know, every minute saved feels like an hour of prep.
Now, at the end of a long day, my feed reader has filtered the articles that are important to me and condensed them into bite-sized chunks. I plan to continue using my feed reader next year. As we teachers know, every minute saved feels like an hour of prep.
Thursday, July 3, 2008
Personal Web App Picks
ClusterMap.com
This is a clustermap. It will show me where users who visit my site live.
Neave.com
The interactive designer Paul Neave, has quite a interesting site. This is both an interesting site personally, and could be used instructionally. In particular his FlashEarth and Planetarium pages have great educational value in the geosciences.
This is a clustermap. It will show me where users who visit my site live.
Neave.com
The interactive designer Paul Neave, has quite a interesting site. This is both an interesting site personally, and could be used instructionally. In particular his FlashEarth and Planetarium pages have great educational value in the geosciences.
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
I am testing an embedded story book from lookybook.com. Click on the book and it will come alive!
There are hundreds of children's books available for viewing before you buy. You could even send your students there to read a story and then respond to the text. Students could also recommend books to one another. This may also stimulate the reluctant readers to get involved. The Website will suggest 3 stores from which you may buy the books. The website is seachable by author and illustrator, and with a free registration, you can save books on a virtual bookshelf.
There are hundreds of children's books available for viewing before you buy. You could even send your students there to read a story and then respond to the text. Students could also recommend books to one another. This may also stimulate the reluctant readers to get involved. The Website will suggest 3 stores from which you may buy the books. The website is seachable by author and illustrator, and with a free registration, you can save books on a virtual bookshelf.
Sunday, June 29, 2008
Elluminte Evaluation
I enjoyed visiting with Patti and my classmates online using the syncronous tool Elluminate. Elluminate is easy to use. The navigation bar is user friendly and the environment is clean and not cluttered with buttons and lists. To realize the full benefit of Elluminate one needs a high speed connection, preferrably a LAN or cable modem.
I can see how this tool could be a valuable resource for the classroom. Conducting a webmeeting with an expert would work well. The Alaska Sealife Center in Seward has marine biology experts and an outreach program. This may be a way for the Center to connect with classrooms around the world as well as next door.
Professionally, Elluminate would be a good way to get a quick tutorial on how to use educational software. Teachers are inundated with new software each year. It can be overwhelming learn how to effectively use new software in time to successfully apply it in the classroom. Local or national trainers can use this presentation tool to demonstate applications of new software for teachers.
A disadvantage to this software is the very thing that makes this software powerful, it's syncronous nature. Viewers must be at the right place at the right time or they miss the immediate feedback from questions posed during the presentation. On the flipside, the advantage of Elluminate is that viewers get realtime help and answers to questions about the presentation topic.
I can see how this tool could be a valuable resource for the classroom. Conducting a webmeeting with an expert would work well. The Alaska Sealife Center in Seward has marine biology experts and an outreach program. This may be a way for the Center to connect with classrooms around the world as well as next door.
Professionally, Elluminate would be a good way to get a quick tutorial on how to use educational software. Teachers are inundated with new software each year. It can be overwhelming learn how to effectively use new software in time to successfully apply it in the classroom. Local or national trainers can use this presentation tool to demonstate applications of new software for teachers.
A disadvantage to this software is the very thing that makes this software powerful, it's syncronous nature. Viewers must be at the right place at the right time or they miss the immediate feedback from questions posed during the presentation. On the flipside, the advantage of Elluminate is that viewers get realtime help and answers to questions about the presentation topic.
Saturday, June 14, 2008
Journal Entry
Ok, so far I've joined and have customized a page for each of the following sites:
Classroom 2.0 I created a page, added a song, created a profile, added friends, and explored the site a little. This site will be cool for networking with other teachers with similiar interests.
del.icio.us I create a page added 10-15 links, linked this page to my blog page, and explored the site a little. This site will allow me to locate, organize, and navigate my internet links with ease from any computer. I love the tags feature to give searchability to my links and other links which are connected to my tags on the internet.
Blogger I created a blog page, added a widget to Wired Magazine Online, added weather in Kenai, posted many times, added links to friends' blogs, added resources with RSS feeds, added a pictures, created a profile, added a link back to my Classroom 2.0 page, added my Google Reader (syndication aggregator), added a video bar, added an EdTech News sidebar, added a survey, added a blog archive, made a comment to a post, and just done some general housecleaning of the page.
wetpaint.com I have joined this wiki database add added a wiki called 21st century learning to my wiki profile. I will continue to search for more wikis as time goes on. I have created a class wiki. I have some ideas of how to use this wiki...perhaps as a way to show off research papers, get feedback on stories, or just for kids to share ideas and get ideas for projects in class. This could also be a penpal 2.0 tool as well. I'm not sure of the legal remifications however. Children under 13 fall under the COPPA act. Read here to find out more about privacy issues with younger internet users http://wikisineducation.wetpaint.com/page/Wetpaint+%26+Students+Under+13
It took quite sometime to get it all up and running. It took even more time to wrap my mind around all of it and its relevance to my teaching.
Things to consider when using Web 2.0 utilities:
Classroom 2.0 I created a page, added a song, created a profile, added friends, and explored the site a little. This site will be cool for networking with other teachers with similiar interests.
del.icio.us I create a page added 10-15 links, linked this page to my blog page, and explored the site a little. This site will allow me to locate, organize, and navigate my internet links with ease from any computer. I love the tags feature to give searchability to my links and other links which are connected to my tags on the internet.
Blogger I created a blog page, added a widget to Wired Magazine Online, added weather in Kenai, posted many times, added links to friends' blogs, added resources with RSS feeds, added a pictures, created a profile, added a link back to my Classroom 2.0 page, added my Google Reader (syndication aggregator), added a video bar, added an EdTech News sidebar, added a survey, added a blog archive, made a comment to a post, and just done some general housecleaning of the page.
wetpaint.com I have joined this wiki database add added a wiki called 21st century learning to my wiki profile. I will continue to search for more wikis as time goes on. I have created a class wiki. I have some ideas of how to use this wiki...perhaps as a way to show off research papers, get feedback on stories, or just for kids to share ideas and get ideas for projects in class. This could also be a penpal 2.0 tool as well. I'm not sure of the legal remifications however. Children under 13 fall under the COPPA act. Read here to find out more about privacy issues with younger internet users http://wikisineducation.wetpaint.com/page/Wetpaint+%26+Students+Under+13
It took quite sometime to get it all up and running. It took even more time to wrap my mind around all of it and its relevance to my teaching.
Things to consider when using Web 2.0 utilities:
- *you need to update regularly
- *you need to read a lot of material online
- *you need to be able to filter what you read quickly to save time
- *have a specific need in mind when online to save time. If you have something specific you are looking for, you won't be going in circles by getting distracted at all of the links and tags you come across.
- *Set up some RSS feeds so the information you what comes to YOU instead of trying search for IT.
Thursday, June 12, 2008
connecting sites together
I am trying to connect my delicious account with my blogger.com account. What is the best way to do this? I have found a way to connect my subscription aggregator to my blog. You'll notice it on the right side nav bar.
EdTech Resources
I have recently signed up for a delicious account. Then I immediately set about the task of filling my account with relevant bookmarks to sites relating to EdTech...sites that I would like to return to later. Some of the sites that caught my attention are
Wired Education
Steve Hargadon
About EdTechtalk EdTechTalk
Home - 21st Century Learning
Course: ED 693 - Emerging Technologies
» Us.ef.ul (beelerspace)
PattiWiki : ED 693 S 2008 browse
PBS Teachers — Resources For The Classroom
Ed Tech Review
Skype official website – free download and free calls and internet calls
Wired Education
Steve Hargadon
About EdTechtalk EdTechTalk
Home - 21st Century Learning
Course: ED 693 - Emerging Technologies
» Us.ef.ul (beelerspace)
PattiWiki : ED 693 S 2008 browse
PBS Teachers — Resources For The Classroom
Ed Tech Review
Skype official website – free download and free calls and internet calls
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
Journal Entry
today I signed up for a delicious account. Now I can do some social bookmarking and keep them organized. I also signed up for Classroom 2.0 This is a syndicate aggregator. I have already noticed some of the other classmates from ED693 have joined this site. It seems pretty user friendly. It isn't clouded with extra "junk" that makes it hard to see new updates. So far I feel like I have a handle on things. The lines between social bookmarking, blogs, and aggregators are a little blurry still, however.
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
Wiki Review
I reviewed a unique and informative Wiki today.
I looked at a wiki called 21st Century Learning (http://21stcenturylearning.wetpaint.com/). This site is a community of educators embarking on a collaborative journey into the future of education, educational technologies and new curriculums in order to prepare our students to function in a competitive and rapidly changing global world. It’s also based on the newly phrased “21st Century Skills”. These skils are:
Core Subjects and 21st Century Themes
Communication & Collaboration
Creativity & Innovation ICT Literacy
This video is on their homepage. It attempts to describe the urgency of teaching in a new world and a new age. It adds interesting facts to shock the viewer.
http://www.youtube.com/v/vC928e629iM&hl=en
There is also an interesting article about digital native and immigrants:
Digital Natives, Digital Immigrants
By Marc Prensky From On the Horizon (NCB University Press, Vol. 9 No. 5, October 2001) © 2001 Marc Prensky http://www.marcprensky.com/writing/Prensky%20-%20Digital%20Natives,%20Digital%20Immigrants%20-%20Part1.pdf
I edited the pedagogy page. I added a review of an article about embedding instead of intergrating technology into education. If you look under top contributors, I am the one in the yellow kayak. I like this wiki and I will continue to check back as our class rolls along.
You can find my post here, http://21stcenturylearning.wetpaint.com/page/Pedagogy
I have also copied it here:
From "The Thinking Stick"
I don’t want to integrate it, I want to embed it!
September 24th, 2007 by Jeff Utecht As I quickly scan my blog alerts - this recent addition jumps into the discussion of pedagogy...I just read the article and Jeff has a good point about state of school districts still stuck in the "integration of technology" mode, as opposed to beginning to think about "embedding" the technology within the curriculum itself. I recommmend not only reading Jeff's thoughts, but the insightful comments that follow.
I looked at a wiki called 21st Century Learning (http://21stcenturylearning.wetpaint.com/). This site is a community of educators embarking on a collaborative journey into the future of education, educational technologies and new curriculums in order to prepare our students to function in a competitive and rapidly changing global world. It’s also based on the newly phrased “21st Century Skills”. These skils are:
Core Subjects and 21st Century Themes
Communication & Collaboration
Creativity & Innovation ICT Literacy
This video is on their homepage. It attempts to describe the urgency of teaching in a new world and a new age. It adds interesting facts to shock the viewer.
http://www.youtube.com/v/vC928e629iM&hl=en
There is also an interesting article about digital native and immigrants:
Digital Natives, Digital Immigrants
By Marc Prensky From On the Horizon (NCB University Press, Vol. 9 No. 5, October 2001) © 2001 Marc Prensky http://www.marcprensky.com/writing/Prensky%20-%20Digital%20Natives,%20Digital%20Immigrants%20-%20Part1.pdf
I edited the pedagogy page. I added a review of an article about embedding instead of intergrating technology into education. If you look under top contributors, I am the one in the yellow kayak. I like this wiki and I will continue to check back as our class rolls along.
You can find my post here, http://21stcenturylearning.wetpaint.com/page/Pedagogy
I have also copied it here:
From "The Thinking Stick"
I don’t want to integrate it, I want to embed it!
September 24th, 2007 by Jeff Utecht As I quickly scan my blog alerts - this recent addition jumps into the discussion of pedagogy...I just read the article and Jeff has a good point about state of school districts still stuck in the "integration of technology" mode, as opposed to beginning to think about "embedding" the technology within the curriculum itself. I recommmend not only reading Jeff's thoughts, but the insightful comments that follow.
Blog Review
In my ongoing review of blog sites for quality educational technology news and ideas, I have found 4 that are worth sharing. EdTechReview.net, EdTechTalk.com, Learningonlineinfo.org, and Stevehargadon.com
Why did you choose these blog sites? I chose these blog site for their relevant content, their easy navigation, and the amount of updates they contained. Many of the blogs I previewed had not been updated in a year or more. Imagine what has happened in technology even in the last year!
What did they offer you for your profession development? EdTechReview.net shared an article about Adobe Photoshop. Apparently Adobe is giving photoshop to teachers and students for free! https://www.photoshop.com/express/landing.html
EdTechTalk.com shared a year in review - Teachers Teaching Teachers #107 - What have we learned this year with VoiceThread? 06.04.08
This is an interesting podcast of the new video/audio blogging tool can be used in the classroom.
Learningonlineinfo.org shared a new project to keep kids motivated and attentive. This article is found at How to Keep Students Motivated and Attentive.
Stevehargadon.com shares quite an incredible article in TechLearning blog about what Web 2.0 is doing for schools and for the world at large in his article here.
Or your personal interests? I am personally interested in this topic and I will continue to seek out new and innovative uses of technology for the classroom. I believe technology is the media by which the next generation of students will learn and teachers will teach.
Do you plan to continue visiting these blogs? Why or why not?
ese blogs? Why or why not?
Why did you choose these blog sites? I chose these blog site for their relevant content, their easy navigation, and the amount of updates they contained. Many of the blogs I previewed had not been updated in a year or more. Imagine what has happened in technology even in the last year!
What did they offer you for your profession development? EdTechReview.net shared an article about Adobe Photoshop. Apparently Adobe is giving photoshop to teachers and students for free! https://www.photoshop.com/express/landing.html
EdTechTalk.com shared a year in review - Teachers Teaching Teachers #107 - What have we learned this year with VoiceThread? 06.04.08
This is an interesting podcast of the new video/audio blogging tool can be used in the classroom.
Learningonlineinfo.org shared a new project to keep kids motivated and attentive. This article is found at How to Keep Students Motivated and Attentive.
Stevehargadon.com shares quite an incredible article in TechLearning blog about what Web 2.0 is doing for schools and for the world at large in his article here.
Or your personal interests? I am personally interested in this topic and I will continue to seek out new and innovative uses of technology for the classroom. I believe technology is the media by which the next generation of students will learn and teachers will teach.
Do you plan to continue visiting these blogs? Why or why not?
ese blogs? Why or why not?
Tech Tips for the Classroom
If you have any Do's and Don'ts for the classroom, especially the Elementary Classroom, please enlighten us with your wisdom. Many hands make light work, right?
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