Over the first couple of weeks in my graduate program I have looked at and researched several different technologies, some of which I am very familiar with and some I have never heard of or tried.
Three things that I have done through this course that I think I would use as a teacher (that I wouldn't have used before) are creating your own personal website through weebly.com, starting and maintaining a blog post, and podcasting. If you would have told me two months ago that I would be doing all three of these things I may have given you a wedgie. I guess I can put some tape around the middle of my glasses because right now I'm digging all this 'tech stuff' and have thoroughly enjoyed experimenting and exploring the different sites and options. All computer nerd references aside, I am finding that the thought of including some of these items in my curriculum wouldn't be as hard as I may have thought it would be and I look forward to the challenge!
I could see students creating websites that explore and promote the positive qualities and characteristics that they represent - a lesson on developing their personal strengths and values. I could also see a fitness class designing a website for a fitness center they would like to own, one focusing on activities that they enjoy doing. Designing cool projects that would help them explore different avenues in a way that is very different from traditional posters or power point presentations that tend to take place in classrooms.
If I were to display a prompt in the form of a blog, students would have some time to formulate their thoughts and ideas and as a result respond more confidently with a well-thought out answer. This may allow a topic to 'trend' in class for over a week while students respond back and forth.
As for podcasting, one example might be to have students and parents could view all course information and school rules and expectations at home in the form of a podcast.
There really are so many ways these new technologies could be used in our classrooms. We just have to find the ones that will enhance the things we do and work on those!
Make it a great day!
DG
Three things that I have done through this course that I think I would use as a teacher (that I wouldn't have used before) are creating your own personal website through weebly.com, starting and maintaining a blog post, and podcasting. If you would have told me two months ago that I would be doing all three of these things I may have given you a wedgie. I guess I can put some tape around the middle of my glasses because right now I'm digging all this 'tech stuff' and have thoroughly enjoyed experimenting and exploring the different sites and options. All computer nerd references aside, I am finding that the thought of including some of these items in my curriculum wouldn't be as hard as I may have thought it would be and I look forward to the challenge!
I could see students creating websites that explore and promote the positive qualities and characteristics that they represent - a lesson on developing their personal strengths and values. I could also see a fitness class designing a website for a fitness center they would like to own, one focusing on activities that they enjoy doing. Designing cool projects that would help them explore different avenues in a way that is very different from traditional posters or power point presentations that tend to take place in classrooms.
If I were to display a prompt in the form of a blog, students would have some time to formulate their thoughts and ideas and as a result respond more confidently with a well-thought out answer. This may allow a topic to 'trend' in class for over a week while students respond back and forth.
As for podcasting, one example might be to have students and parents could view all course information and school rules and expectations at home in the form of a podcast.
There really are so many ways these new technologies could be used in our classrooms. We just have to find the ones that will enhance the things we do and work on those!
Make it a great day!
DG