New Vista Mini Presentation

How to make an a storybook using iPhoto.
Click on link to view mini-presentation done with Jing and then uploaded to Screencast.com

Are Free Tools Worth the Price?

Salon Five

I absolutely feel using Web 2.0 tools in the classroom is beneficial for students and teachers. As teachers, our job is not just to present information to the students. We are responsible to teach and guide the students on how to to teach themselves. Also we need to prepare our students for the future. It is apparent the use of online web tools will be part of their future. David Warlick feels, “Accessing, processing, building with, and communicating that information is how we will all make our livings.”

Using wikis, blogs, del.ic.ious, RSS feeds, Glogster are some examples of free tools that can be used in the classroom. Now, it is not necessarily the tools themselves, but how we use them. These tools enable students to communicate with each other, have meaningful conversations with people they would never have meet.

I use many of these tools in my class. I couldn't imagine not having them. I taught for a couple of years without using technology at all. The use of technology and the accessibility to these Web 2.0 tools are enhanced my lessons and I feel I am preparing my students more effectively.

“You are your own best teacher”- Jimmy Buffet

The Judgement of Thamus

Salon Three

Just like Thamus, Neil Postman feels when a problem is solved, more problems arrive. For example, the use of cars as a mode of transportation. The car has obviously solved many problems, however has caused problems as well. Pollution, traffic and have destroyed environmental landscapes. He believes all new technologies which has solved problems, will definitely introduce new and different problems. Many times these problems can not be predicted.

The implementation of technology has been a blessing and curse depending upon which way someone looks at it. My belief it has been a blessing, however, it has to be used the correct way. Teachers and students both must take responsibility to use these technologies appropriately and positively. Teachers need to use technology to enhance their lessons and not just throw computers in front of the students. Computers should be used as a tool for learning...not be used as the teacher.

During our conversation I talked about spell check. I have always been a weak speller and once I discovered spell check, I thought it was the greatest thing around. But I didn't start using spell check until college. I had years of practicing my spelling and using dictionaries. From my experience students depend upon spell check to much and have become lazy with there spelling. It is important for teachers to make sure students are able to spell and do not depend upon spell check. I feel the same away about calculators.. I have a classroom of students in middle school who do not know there multiplication table.

There is also the subject of online chatting. It is a great way to network and stay in touch with friends. I use this technology daily. However, students are starting to write how they type during chats or texting. THe use of LOL, OMG, Ur....instead of writing out words or phrases. Also children have gotten into sitituations and conversations with people or adults that are inappropriate. This is another example of a technology that is used for something positive has a negative attribute as well.