I personally do not use podcasts, just because I have never needed to and never come across one that was that interesting. However, I think they can be useful for giving students that little bit more of access to information. My nine year old niece already has an iPod, so I know that students are becoming increasingly tech savy and having accessibility to it. Many students do not prefer to go online and read information, even if the teacher gives it to them. However, if they are able to listen to it on the computer, and even better, download it and listen to it anywhere, than they may be more motivated to actually utilize a resource!
The one difference I see about podcasting from other Web 2.0 technologies is its portability, as mentioned earlier. Students (and teachers) would not just be limited to listening to a podcast at home on the computer, but they can download it during their down time and listen to it, say, while doing a workout or waiting for class. Also, another difference is the user-created aspect. The information that is being podcasted is not necessarily put their by some company or higher-up; anyone can make and share a podcast.
I do own an iPad, but they are typically not compatible with PCs, the standard of most high-schools. I just use it as a replacement for a laptop, since I don't use one one the go that much. However, there are several great apps available to educators, like Dropbox and an Outline creator. There are also several specific purpose apps, such as ones about the US Constitution, the Solar System and Galaxy, and a Periodic Table. If I am not mistaken, there is a cable sold that lets you hook up an iPad to a data projector. I do not think I would use it in my math classes, as the only external resources I would need are already readily available (calculator and projector, internet access, etc.). I do believer that the advantages of online communication tools outweight the disadvantages. I would rather have lots of information readily available and be able to share things rather than having to go to great lengths to get it.
References:
Jonassen, D., Howland, J., Marra, R., & Crismond, D. (2008). Meaningful Learning with Technology (3rd ed.). Upper Saddle River, New Jersey: Pearson Education, Inc.
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Chapter 6
Wikis and blogs are great tool for sharing information. After all, I often browse certain Wikis that are based on points of interest. However, why would you share information in a math class? The only time I can see this as useful is if the class is doing a project in groups and can post things online. If anyone has ever tried to write anything in a mathematical way with a keyboard and computer, they would know how hard it is. Overall, it seems inadequet for my class. In any other class, it can be used to share ideas and get students more involved.
Bookmarking itself is extremely useful. My whole browser is filled from left to right with buttons of bookmarks. Social Bookmarking is a good means for users to share resources without having to give actual copies of something to others. Again, being a math class, using the internet itself will be sparce. However, Social Bookmarking can be used to share some great links to videos I have found (that I referenced in a earlier post). Also, if we are ever doing a math or any other project, I and my students can use Social Bookmarking as a way to show and share resources and useful sites.
Tapped In seems like a great way for teachers to communicate and share ideas more easily than meeting in person. After all, teachers often have very tight schedules. This way, they can simply get on and look up or share at their convenience. The book is right when it mentioned how teachers are isolated and rarely share ideas. (p. 128) If they (we) can gather our collective thoughts and share our experiences, I am sure that the teaching community will gain a better understanding of the student learning processs as a whole. I am still a little confused as to how it works and how to get involved with it, but I plan to do more research to do so.
References:
Bookmarking itself is extremely useful. My whole browser is filled from left to right with buttons of bookmarks. Social Bookmarking is a good means for users to share resources without having to give actual copies of something to others. Again, being a math class, using the internet itself will be sparce. However, Social Bookmarking can be used to share some great links to videos I have found (that I referenced in a earlier post). Also, if we are ever doing a math or any other project, I and my students can use Social Bookmarking as a way to show and share resources and useful sites.
Tapped In seems like a great way for teachers to communicate and share ideas more easily than meeting in person. After all, teachers often have very tight schedules. This way, they can simply get on and look up or share at their convenience. The book is right when it mentioned how teachers are isolated and rarely share ideas. (p. 128) If they (we) can gather our collective thoughts and share our experiences, I am sure that the teaching community will gain a better understanding of the student learning processs as a whole. I am still a little confused as to how it works and how to get involved with it, but I plan to do more research to do so.
References:
Jonassen, DJ, Howland, JH, Marra, RM, & Crismond, DC (2008). Meaningful Learning with Technology. Upper Saddle River, New Jersey: Pearson.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)