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Wikis For Classroom Use

2008-02-27T11:51:00.000-08:00

A Wiki is a piece of server software that allows users to freely create and edit Web page content using any Web browser. Ok so when i first read this i was still lost, but here is what i've come up with. Basically wiki is a quicker, easier, faster, and a more user friendly way to create a website/webpage. Also, the other amazing thing about wiki, is that a group can collaborate and use one web page to coordinate trips, and many other things. I am a visual learner and so here i'm going to link a video/website to help you better understand what i cannot wait to begin using and create. http://www.commoncraft.com/video-wikis-plain-english.
For my own personal use i believe that a wiki web page can be utilized in a plethora of ways such as teaching, parties, trips, youth group etc. However, for me the most I will gain from wiki is when i plug it into my classroom curriculum. By using wiki in the classroom, i can not only educate the students with current subjects but also by incorporating the use of technology that we all know is continuously becoming faster and faster!!! Also this (if planned out ant thought about carefully) could also be a phenomenal way to incorporate parent-teacher relationships. If i gave all the parents access to the webpage, they could all give ideas and permission slips to parties, field trips, curriculum etc. I can't wait to use this "wiki." It is so interesting to see the wikis that people have created. They are so much more organized, and way more informative. A wiki compared to expression....there's no contest.

Multimedia in the Classroom

2008-02-07T10:57:00.000-08:00

So i figured while we were all on the topic of increasing technology i decided to browse a bit and see what i could find about multimedia's positive influences in the classroom. http://hrsbstaff.ednet.ns.ca/engramja/gradcourse/multimedia/benefitspg1.htm
Multimedia can stimulate more than one sense at a time, and in doing so, may be more attention-getting and attention-holding. Multimedia is a complex process that engages many skills in learners. I feel that there are many ways to enhance instruction in my classroom or content area. Here are just a few:
Enables teachers to turn teacher-centered lessons into student-centered.
Provides teachers with more opportunities to be facilitator.
Easily adaptable to all learning levels.
Decreases classroom management issues.
Provides opportunities for students to have a 'real' audience.
Places onus of responsibility back on the student.
Allows teachers to deal with photocopying limitations.
Provides a forum for teacher sharing and feedback.
I personally believe that the increasing use of computers and multimedia will change learning. And I believe in that with a vengeance. The way that technology is bursting with new gizmos and gadgets these days, leads me to believe that it's only a matter of time until "The Paperless Office." Kids these days don't even need a protractor to find the degree of certain angles. There are programs that just do it for them. It's so crazy to think that the way our generation and generations before learned for so long will soon change into an unforseen phenomenon that non of these generations ever thought they'd see.

What is media???

2008-01-29T18:08:00.000-08:00

So, as i was thinking about the increasingly rapid changes and updates in technology and the digital generation, I decided to explore the internet and see what others had to say about applying such media in today's class room. I found an arthicle that seeks to help you better understand and slowly integrate as well as adapt to such rapid (and sometimes difficult) changes. This article was called "Twenty Ways To: Empower Diverse Learners With Educational Technology and Digital Media." As technology becomes increasingly commonplace within educational settings, there is a corresponding expectation for educators to utilize digital tools to support classroom teaching and learning. Honestly this article was very encouraging and very informative. I hope you will take the time to read it: http://web.ebscohost.com/ehost/pdf?vid=8&hid=2&sid=d7ad0f48-f945-458f-9da4-ca23b59e6b9b%40sessionmgr2.
I seriously never thought i'd see the day where in my classroom i'd be able to just touch the board and up pop this or that. Today we now have smart boards, absolutely remarkable. I never thought i's be teaching children with paperless desks. Will we eventually do without paper, pencils, books, rulers, tape etc? Sometimes I feel like we are already there. However, i do want to be positive about upgrades and change. I would like to think that i could channel all of these methods into positive reinforcements as well and promising educational performances from my children.
As a professional teacher who is responsible for make the wise choice, I may find it difficult to choose from which product to best utilize in my classroom. Therefore, in my disicion making i will think about these things: cost, age appropriate, and others' experiences with the different products.