Chapter 10

Chapter 10

What It All Means

Reflections: Random ideas the author inspired…

The Final Chapter

The author questions: “What will be the impact?” The impact will be as follows: we all will have to (band together) work cooperatively to break down barrier so; that the school districts will up- lift restrictions on some of these web-sites and programs. This course has already started a flurry of questions from administration about letters and permission slips for parents to sign. Information and education needs to be set forth to the “power of be” so that our school district is not left behind, in the “Dark Ages”, so to speak. We need to set forth on the informational highway, after all change is good isn’t it?

The author makes one stop and think of how our students’ learning objectives will change over the next decade. With this new age, Read/Write Web, there will be a new dimension on what it means to be literate in today’s world. We will now not only have to teach our children the ability to read and write but; also they will have to be critical consumers. Our students will also need to know how to work cooperatively with one another, become active members of each class, retrieve information, properly store information, and share ideas in an appropriate way with in this new medium. In addition, our students need to become active consumers as well as editor in this fast pace world of technological rage. We will teach many new skills to our students so that they can adapt to the information and have the ability to analyze, be critical readers and viewers so that they will understand what is truly or falsely produced in their reading and consumption on the World Wide Web. It seems to me that we need to teach our students to utilize these networks in a safe manner, ethical, and effective way so that our world CAN becomes a better place. Finally, no matter where you live, or where you come from, you have a voice, today, tomorrow, and in the future, after all that is what our fore father wanted for us. Isn’t it?

In signing off… Today, I realized that learning is at times a REAL challenge but worth the risk…

Chapter 9

Chapter 9

 Social Networks

Facebook, Ning, Connections, and Communities

Reflections: Random thoughts the author has inspired…

I agree that the students of today are in fact reaching out using this technology for expanding their friendships and tapping into interest based learning in a way that humans have never experienced before. I also agree with the author that as our world changes, we as a community of learner must make adjustment too. Hence these adjustments will create an environment that will be conducive to the very students, we face on a daily bases.  As our teaching environment changes it becomes apparent that quoted from the author: “In the process, we can teach students all sorts of important lessons about digital citizenship, safety, information literacy, and more.”p.133.

Personally being a teacher I am extremely paranoid about putting information on Facebook. As the author stated:  “I have mentioned, haven’t I, that nothing. I repeat, nothing is guaranteed to be private on the Web.” p. 136. As we already established that some of our students may be very savvy with technology and could possible hack into our Facebook accounts and who knows what they may put on it. For me right now I will pass and I’m sure in the future I will explore the wonderful world of Facebooking in my personal life. For me, I believe that I can reach my students with blogs, wikis, and podcasting. I don’t feel comfortable nor do I really believe that our school district will ever lift the filter for MySpace or Facebook. Since we have many alternatives I’m not willing to take on that battle.

Signing off till next time…

Chapter 8

Chapter 8

Podcasting, Video and Screencasting, and live Streaming

Multimedia Publishing for the Masses

Reflections: Random thoughts the author has inspired…

In the very first paragraph the author mentions the incredible growth of http://www.youtube.com/ . I love you tube! Extremely creative! Well, I have a connection. Last academic school year, the sixth grade team decided to recreate the theme “Around the World”… Well, my team had to represent Asia.  We had a vision for our students to make a thousand cranes. Just a little background on that topic…

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Cultural significance

Eternal flame of peace, with cranes, in Toshogu shrine, Tokyo, Japan.

The Japanese crane (丹頂)

Traditional Japanese Origami cranes

Statue in memory of Sadako Sasaki in Hiroshima

A thousand paper cranes are traditionally given as a wedding gift by the father, who is wishing a thousand years of happiness and prosperity upon the couple. They can also be gifted to a new baby for long life and good luck. Hanging a Senbazuru in one's home is thought to be a powerfully lucky and benevolent charm.
Sets of origami paper are sold widely in Japan, with Senbazuru sets including 1000 (or more, in case of mistakes) sheets of paper, string, and beads to place at the end of each string to stop the cranes from slipping off.^[1] Commonly the cranes are assembled as 25 strings of 40 cranes each.^[1] The size of the origami paper does not matter when assembling a thousand paper cranes, but smaller sheets consequently yield smaller and lighter strings of cranes. The most popular size for Senbazuru cranes is 75 by 75 millimetres (3.0 × 3.0 in). Some people cut their own squares of paper from anything available, such as magazines.
Origami paper used for Senbazuru is usually of a solid color, though printed designs are also available. Larger size origami paper, usually 6x6 inches, often has traditional Japanese or flower designs, reminiscent of kimono patterns.
The Thousand Origami Cranes has become a symbol of world peace^{[citation needed]} through the story of Sadako Sasaki, a Japanese girl who tried to stave off her death from leukemia as a result of radiation from the atomic bombing of Hiroshima during World War II by making one thousand origami cranes, having folded only 644 before her death, and that her friends completed and buried them all with her. (This is only one version of the story. Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum states that she did, in fact, complete the 1,000 cranes.)
Her story is told in the book Sadako and the Thousand Paper Cranes. Several temples, including some in Tokyo and Hiroshima, have eternal flames for World Peace. At these temples, school groups or individuals often donate Senbazuru to add to the prayer for peace. The cranes are left exposed to the elements, slowly dissolving and becoming tattered as the wish is released. In this way they are related to the prayer flags of India and Tibet.
In Western countries, the custom has been extended from giving a senbazuru to cancer patients, to using them at funerals or on the grave.


Well, back to the story… I bought fancy paper with fancy directions…Well; you guessed it …The process of creating even one crane wasn’t simple at all… So we went to You Tube and found a video on how to make a Japanese paper crane…
How To Make An Origami Peace Crane
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R9VF3gdf_Hk
What a life saver that was! The students became Origami Masters! Our students decorated our classrooms! The hallways were filled with extra large beautiful white origami cranes all made by sixth grade students. This experience for some students will be one of the most memorable of their academic career.
I love the third grade teacher’s idea of Reading Workshop, where students can think about plot, characters, and themes of books that they read. Excellent, I’d love to try this!
In the area of podcasting I thought of one project students could participate in would be to interview their grandparents about their life when they were a young child. This would be an invaluable experience for the child as well as the grandparent. Also a project that I already do is to have students read biographies, dress up as that person and tell about their life through their perspective. Uniquely, the student would be able to watch themselves after their presentation. One other idea that I thought of would be to have one student be the news reporter and conduct an interview with that famous person that they read about in their biography series. These would in fact be authentic pieces of work as well as a wonderful learning experience. Finally another idea that the author inspired me to think about would be to have students conduct a “Reading Connor”. In other words, students would read their stories, plays, poetry, that they created in class. What a wonderful way to end the academic school year!
To conclude the last idea that the author inspired me to think about was to create a once a week live streaming on “What’s Happening at the Ahern”. The topics that students may explore are what unique learning experiences are taking place in different grade levels and classrooms, during extra-curriculum activities, in the cafeteria, out on the playground and with our specialist teachers too. Watch out the “Daily Two” you just might have some competition!
Signing off till next time…

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/b/be/PaperCranes.jpg

Chapter 7

Fun With Flicker

Creating, Publishing, and Using Images Online

Reflection: Random thoughts the author has inspired…

This chapter for me produces a plethora of ideas that I can use in the classroom. In the area of Social Studies, the students can create digital picture walk of each continent; we study throughout the year. Students can download pictures of what they did during summer vacation, winter break, and spring vacation and write about their experiences. Students also can create albums of school work, field trips, projects, and create slide shows that will enhance organization of these photos. Just think, students can photograph items in nature and create digital poetry albums!

Another unique aspect would be for students to learn the importance of becoming a primary source. What a perfect opportunity for students to document what goes on in their own community? They can document through pictures; all holidays, Patriot Place and the Stadium, Founders Day, and not to mention Hurricane Irene.  How about those beautiful Northeastern Blizzards? What else do our students have to do when we have no school; I’m sure that they are not shoveling their parents’ driveway! The possibilities are endless. Not to mention that with each picture; they have a wonderful opportunity to describe and document what is going on in each photo. They will ultimatly be practicing their writing skills without even knowing it!

Obviously, the possibilities are endless to help motivate my students to observe life through a lens. After all, a picture paints a thousand words.

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/7/73/20090211_thousand_words-01_cropped.jpg

 From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Hope you enjoy my humor…

Signing off till next time…

Chapter 6

Chapter 6

 The Social Web

Learning Together

Refection: Random thoughts the author has inspired…

One becomes very philosophical, after the passing of an individual that in our time is equated to Albert Einstein. Steve Jobs, passing is an enormous loss for the technological community. The following article may interest you about his life, the loss, and our future:

http://mobile.bloomberg.com/news/2011-10-06/technology-executives-comment-on-apple-s-jobs-death-voices?category=%2Fnews%2Fmostread%2F

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/10/06/technology/for-apple-a-big-loss-requires-a-balancing-act.html

http://westward.patch.com/articles/apple-co-founder-steve-jobs-dies-at-56-77f8195f 

After reading this chapter, one can only be amazed by the fact that the Worldwide Web connects with over 1 billion people. That sure is a lot of sharing, creating new ideas, and taking the sting out of long distant relationships.

For me as an educator, this innovative technological stream of power needs to be harnessed in just the right way; so that my students get out of each experience a valuable understanding of new knowledge. The most significant aspect of this new learning process is eloquently stated by the author, “This vision is much different from the traditional classroom in which most students work is done in isolation, never finding connection to a larger whole that might be produced by the class in its entirety. That’s not to say that in this new world students don’t do their own work. But it does mean that responsibility for that work is in some way shared by those interacting with it, the readers and communicators from within the classroom or outside, if allowed. Learning is a continuous conversation among many participants.” P. 86.

In my classrooms, I can utilize the program Renzulli to help my students to create a forum for making connections on what they read. This also creates a climate for my students to participate in valuable conversations on what they are reading in the areas of E.L.A. and Social Studies. This system also enhances their social skills development as well as newly found friendships.

On a personal note, I too, need an army or a secretary to help with organization of all this technological data. The tag system appears to be idiot proof with Diigo and Delicious accounts. Retrieving information can be extremely frustrating without an organized system. One frustrating part for me is that when you find a great site and you go back to that particular site it’s gone. No more, this invaluable tool Diigolet tools, you’re not just capturing a link; you are making a copy of the whole page. These tools will teach my students how to organize their materials and this system will make a monumental difference in my life as an education.

Most significantly, for me as an E.L.A. educator is the social bookmarking story cataloging system. According to the author, the following two sites:

http://www.librarything.com/

 http://www.shelfari.com/

are excellent ways to catalog all of your personal books. Most importantly, you can add notes, tags, and your students can comment as well as the community of readers can also make contributions. As far as the impact on students learning thru time, they have successfully chronologically tracked their reading growth as well as observing through time their writing development. This would positively impact student’s academic development.

Signing off till next time…

Chapter 5

Chapter 5

RSS (Really Simple Syndication)

The New Killer APP for Educators

Reflection: Random thoughts the author has inspired…

While reflecting on Chapter 5, it is difficult to wrap my mind around RSS, how does this technology work? I understand the mechanics about a behind the scene coded language and then the feed system but, can we assume that our computers are making choice for us? My thought process is more in the area of my personal opinions and how I make decisions in the area of politics. For example, if one was to think in terms politically of liberalism and that person always received information from the media on that venue, then how does that individual ever receive the other side’s perspective? Don’t you think we should have both sides of the story? Don’t you think, that students should be taught how to deal with different points of view? Now, that you are pondering these critical questions, I loved to hear from you!

 I fully understand that RSS would be a huge advantage in the area of curriculum. The feed would allow me to receive essential information in the subjects I teach and at the specific grade level. Another advantage that the author so eloquently states: “And the National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE) knows this too. One if their new “Twenty-First Century Literacies” is that “twenty-first century readers and writers  need to manage, analyze, and synthesize multiple streams of simultaneous information” (NCTE, 2008). RSS is a perfect job for this. And, as with the rest of these changes it’s our job to model and teach these skills.” p. 73

In other words, where are the lap top computers for all my students? Where are the wireless connections so that we can all analyze, and synthesis the multiple streams of information?  Do we have to engage in battle, to fight the bureaucracy in order to utilize these technological tools? Just think of all the possibilities and experiences that our students will be exposed to while embarking on the RSS flexible, powerful tool for gathering information. I plan to have my students to utilize this system with their current event project. I’m on board, are you?

Signing off till next time…

Chapter 4

Chapter 4

Wikis

Easy Collaboration for All

Reflection: Random thoughts the author has inspired…

The author has once again amazed me! In my mind’s eye, no way did I ever make the connection with wiki and Wikipedia! Realistically, I can’t be too hard on myself; since, I really haven’t grasped a clear understanding of whom, where, why, how, or what is a wiki. At the end of the day, the author hasn’t convinced me about the value of Wikipedia for my students’ exploration.  I can’t fathom the concept of allowing children to research information from Wikipedia only to be guided with inaccurate information. I realize that according to the author Will Richardson, “University of Buffalo professor Alex Halavais tested this by creating 13 errors on various posts on Wikipedia, all of which were fixed within a couple of hours (Halavais, 2004). P.56” I too find this information to be amazing, however it is extremely difficult to convince a sixth grader that the information could be inaccurate at best!

While further reading, I do agree that wikis do in fact belong in schools for two major reasons. In the first area, and most importantly, is that the students can participate with a secure password and login system. Secondly, the collaborative environment that wikis facilitate in the area that I am most interested in is Book-Talks. I plan on utilizing the wikis for my classroom with the novel Where the Red Fern Grows by Wilson Rawls, I for one can’t wait to start conversing with my students and creating an enthusiastic community of readers in Foxborough. Hopeful, this community of readers will bring to the table a different perspective of this beloved novel.

In closing, one can feel the author’s passion for the usage of wikis within the classroom when he states: “I’m serious when I say that I get chills sometimes when I think about the amazing work that’s being done at Wikipedia. In many ways, it gives me hope for the future because it is a testament, I think, of good people doing good. Using wikis, we can start to show our students what it means to be a part of that process.

And if the wiki bug does bite you at it has me, this might come in handy:

                Please grant me the serenity to accept the pages I cannot edit,

                The courage to edit the pages I can,

And the wisdom to know the difference

                                                                                                -The Wiki Prayer

                                                                                                (tinyurl.com/2t8fdf)” p.69

Now, that quote exemplifies passion!

Signing off till next time…

Chapter 3

Chapter 3

Weblogs Get Started!

Reflection:  Random thoughts the author has inspired…

I have been extremely frustrated with this book by trying to sell me on the importance of Blogs, Wikis, and Podcasts. I have finally realized that I am a true, “North”, “Just Do IT”, already… Well, finally we made it Weblogs Get Started! I want to get started and use them but I foresee a few stumbling blocks along the way…. Having students create their own blogs might not work for the age group that I am working with at this time. However, I may be able to create a classroom blog, with close supervision that will work out fine for my purposes.

The author suggested the reader to check out http://www.supportblogging.com/Starting+to+Blog

 If you haven’t yet perused this site is a must, you won’t be disappointed. From this site I found this fascinating blog site, that a teacher created, really cool hence her name “Cool Cat Teacher”:

http://coolcatteacher.blogspot.com/2006/03/ten-habits-of-bloggers-that-win.html

Check it out you won’t be disappointed and I really understand the steps!

Finally, the Edublogs Award site: Extremely impressive and if you like FREE stuff for educators this is the essential stop for all your academic needs…

http://edublogawards.com/

Signing off till next time…

Chapter 2

Chapter 2

Weblogs Pedagogy and Practice

Reflection: Random thoughts the author has inspired…

The author feels a true sense of power through weblogs, this sense of power is due to the fact that his original ideas and thoughts can be evaluated in an instant through this medium. I can see how one may have their ego’s puffed up as complete stranger pat them on the back for a job well done. What would happen if there were many negative comments about one’s blog?

As an educator, I can understand the importance and value for my students to experience the process of being able to publish their original creative writing pieces but, I still have reservations for their fragile egos. Feedback could be dangerous and squelch their enthusiasm and motivation to become a writer. Also more importantly, the teacher can create a venue, for setting the stage so that students are able to participate in book talk discussions; through this medium, which allows for everyone to have a voice. All members of the student body can become an active participant. That really opens the walls to the classroom; I for one concur with the author on that point. How frequently as educators are we faced with students that are silent in class and have no voice? Finally, they will have an opportunity to share their timid voice through the blogs and the World Wide Web.

As far as for educators to collaborate that sounds like a great place for us to share and utilize a plethora of ideas. The web-site ideasandthought.org doesn’t appear to be functioning but I then goggled Dean Shareski’s blog which is filled with many different features that I wouldn’t bother to wastes my time viewing.

I then ponder to “Meredith’s Page!” which is her personal reflections on her own journey through class work, which to me would be boring and a waste of my time.

Does blogs have a place within the confines of the classroom? Yes, I do believe that the major role for students and adults is to participate cautiously in this newly developing genre in which both parties engage in the “Process of Thinking” can become essential as we embark into this new technological learning shift.

The idea of having a class portal where students and parents can access course curriculum, syllabus, classroom/school rules, homework assignments, rubrics, handouts, and presentations makes the Weblog an invaluable management tool. This concept I whole-heartily agree with Will Richardson, it enables student to become empowered. Thus, these empowerments assist with development of an independent learner.

The author mentions a unique, on line filing cabinet, which to me is an invaluable way for students to archive their work. Thus this system also allows parents, teachers, and students, the ability to view their progress over their entire, academic school years. As stated by the author, “What they could have at the end would be a comprehensive history of their work and learning that was searchable and shareable, one that would provide a great resource for reflection or future study.” I am enthusiastic of a system on line filing cabinet, where the teacher would be able to view and observe the progress in purposeful way other than having  a pile of bulky, incomplete RED folders of which no one has probably ever perused. In reality, the RED folders sole purpose is to take up valuable space and collect dust for a year in their student’s classroom. Another complimentary aspect of course would be to add an E-portfolio which would encompass videos, podcasts, and presentations by the student.

The Pedagogy of Possibilities are to expand the individual so that they can experience and participate with professionals such as scientist, researchers, Pulitzer –prize winning journalist, and individuals that live on the other side of the globe. These individuals can share their writing, video clips, pictures, and life experiences. The most fascinating aspect of the Read/Write Web is that the classroom door is expensive, work can be archived in an organized fashion, and everyone has a voice, even the shyest of student will be heard. According to Will Richardson, “In fact, research on the effects of Weblogs on K-12 students is still in its infancy. But the anecdotal results reported by many of the educator bloggers discussed here give broad outlines to a picture that will no doubt soon come into focus.”  Although, I may have some reservations I am willing to jump on “blogoshere” with all the young energetic educators in hopes that students will in fact learn something….Signing off…Till next time…The survey is still a work in progress…Maybe next time…

Chapter 1 Reflection

Chapter 1

The Read/Write Web

Reflection

The World Wide Web has opened up our world.  We can travel, communicate, and Skype on a daily bases. We can be safe while driving, by utilizing voice activation systems. Our longevity has increased due to the medical advancements by the development of new technological devises. My job as an educator has been made a lot easier since we have Google, Study Island, Galileo, Renzuli, Discovery Education, YouTube, Power-point, and we must not forget Elmo. Elmo doesn’t only live on Sesame Street anymore! There are numerous other perks to this technological boom. I can remember back when a whole room held the computer hard drive while today the brains of the computer is small enough to be held in our hand. While technology is moving at warp speed it is difficult for us old farts to keep up… In fact, it is even difficult for the technology guru to keep up.

There lies my frustration…I can’t keep up… Just when I learn and master a new skill with technology, some genius creates something new… Or could this be a conspiracy? The technology staff wants to create job security! I don’t have the answer for that one…One might ponder, how will this affect society as a whole?

Will our society produce individuals that are anti-social (no face to face contact)? Will, we as educators be required to teach children how to communicate face to face? Will, we have social groups? I believe that we may have to pursue this new emerging curriculum.

The author implies that the students today are quite savvy with their technology skills. Of course, I became extremely curious about the skill level of my students. So, I created a Technology Survey for my sixth graders. My hypothesis is that they only play games, use technology for research, texting on the phone, and maybe a few e-mails. Next time, I will share my results…Can’t wait…

In closing, I am excited to learn something new that I can share with my students. I am committed to keeping my students safe, and creating lessons that will be thought provoking for my students and me. Signing off…. Till next time….