Podcasting

I like some podcasting, but others, good grief - true amateur. A well made podcast is enjoyable to listen to.

I think podcasts are something that might be useful in a classroom and plan on trying to do some. I need more time to experiment myself. Grades are due and that is taking me time, but things will quiet down some and should be easier to play around.

I think it would be great to create some podcasts of certain tasks - like using a scroll saw. Students could make a podcast that demonstrates safe usage, and other students can use it to review and learn.

Presentation Tools

I like powerpoint. Always have, always will. I like using it as a presentation tool when teaching my classes. I will often times create small presentations that illustrate what I am presenting to the class. An example - talking about types of wall construction for a house - I create a presentation that has 6 examples of typical wall construction methods used in this area of the country. I can show each method and include notes and details that I can have appear while doing the presentation.

I believe students enjoy the use of technology like this more than just using a book or overhead projector, although the projector is still a great tool that I use almost daily. I also have students create some presentations and present information to the class. I model ahead of time what and how I desire the presentation to look like. I make sure to include slides that have easy to read information, interesting design and not just bullets and pictures. I also model how to stand, eye contact and voice control.

Marvel`

I like marvel, but seems bit confusing trying to find the information that I want. There are so many databases to search through that it is overwhelming. Limiting the search to a few databases makes it much easier. I especially like that you don't have to search through company listing for information like when you do a Google search.

I have started using marvel some with my architecture classes. Many 0f the students have used it before so a quick review is all that is needed to get them going.

I will be spending more time searching and learning to use the marvel database.

wiki

Talk about a brave new world. I am going to try the wiki with my architecture class and if it works well will use in the other classes. Setup of the wiki was easy. Now I need emails of students to give them access. Not a huge deal, but it will take a little time to setup. I tried collecting emails from the class early September, but only a couple students followed through. Second attempt now.

I think there will be great value to using the wiki, but foresee having to do some instruction on proper usage and such. I will be checking resources to make sure students don't plagiarize.

October 12, 2010 - my own thing

hi all

little late is posting this. Been a busy weekend with a mini-vacation and all.

I spent some time this week using the google sites option. It seems good, but still a bit frustrated with it. I am comfortable with using microsoft word as a web page creator, and will probably stick with it. I just don't have the time to learn a new program method, even though it is fairly easy.

I also talked with Erin D about setting up Moodle for my robotics course. This I think I will try, as I have heard great things from Julie Y about using moodle. Erin said there are issues around using it with the mac laptops. I have noticed it too. We think we know the problem, but don't know if the powers that be will make the changes. Moodle needs to be stronger soon or I will bypass it and simply work off a traditional website.

I also liked the use of google docs from last weeks demo. That seems very promising. Robotics might be a great place to use it - especially if I have them take notes for several minutes each class.

scott

Google Sites

hi all my curious readers.....


Google sites. Good tool. It can be easy to use, but I started using a template (which one would think is easier) but it wasn't. Dang it was and still is tough going. I will continue the site that I started and will share with my woodworking independent studies. They will use the site for assignments, thus I won't have to email them directly. I will also link from my google site to the student blogs that they are keeping. Everything in one spot.

Like everything Google, it is fairly easy to use and will get easier with time. My use will be limited as I already have an extensive site through the school system server and find it easier to use what I have already started. If I was starting from scratch, I would likely use the Google sites tool. I still may as I have a robotics course starting in January for the first time and I have created none of the website for that class.

scott

Google Docs

Another great tool - google docs. It has so many possible uses it is mind-boggling. I plan on trying to use it for classes to research and post information into a single repository. That will start in Architecture course in a few weeks. I also like the idea of perhaps using google docs with the Robotic course in place of blogs. Students can keep detailed logs of trials and tribulations in designing and programming their robots to meet each challenge. The google doc would allow students to share the info in their small groups, and other groups could view their thoughts as well.

Delicious

Nice new tool. I can see lots of possibilities with it. Adding some tags to subjects that interest me and searching brings up many hits, and then the option of observing another persons bookmarks is even more interesting. This could be a great tool for class, and I may use it some.
Learning to use it was pretty straight forward. Finding the time this past week has been extremely challenging due to work and family. Next assignment will find myself with much more free time.
I am also starting to use these blog entries to test and learn how to use them better. I want robotics students to keep blogs of their work and experiments. Testing to see if a robot picture can be uploaded here.

My school website: staff.highschool.spsd.org/trebilsc

RSS and me

Third try......

I have enjoyed using RSS this past week. I am finding it quite useful. I have setup three feeds, and recently added others, including one on architecture, woodworking and robotics. These feeds are being used by me to find articles that students can read and we can discuss along with educational material for me.

I also have a couple independent study students that are keeping blogs of their work for me. I will use the RSS to keep track of what the students write each day.

Facebook

short post today...

I plan on using facebook with some of my school duties. First I will try it with KeyClub. I think it could be a great way to share projects and meeting times with the members. I will be exploring fan pages, but they don't call them that now. I would also like to try it with a class for sharing assignments.

We have a common department prep planning time at the high school. I will use that time with some other teachers to try setup and practice. I figure a small group together can practice real time and see how and what happens.

This weeks reading was on the use of portaportal. I didn't creat one, but already use ikeepbookmarks.com, which is very similar. I like the usefullness of these sites. The biggest use for me is being able to access the saved sites from any location. Biggest problem is that sites change constantly. Sites that my students need for my classes are posted on my high school website.

Blogs in woodworking

Technical literacy has been a focal point for me the past 4 years through our teacher evaluation process. I have concentrated heavily on technical writing - primarily around student breaking a process down into it's simplest parts and creating detailed instructions on how to create their woodworking projects.

It is very challenging technical writing. You must break down each step and describe in detail what needs to be done. Describe the process ( plane, rip, crosscut ) and the size to cut to and the machine to use. "Use the planer to plane the board to 1/4" thick." This must be done for each piece that goes into the project, then they explain how to assemble the pieces and finish.

I believe I can have the students blog the instructions and scan their drawings. The work would then be on the computer and "safe" from being lost as a paper copy. Other students can review and see if the steps make sense and leave comments.

Now to "make it so" as a famous captain once said.

intro

Here we are. My blog for a graduate class that I am taking through SPSD. 12 technologies for the 21st century - 12:21. I know some of the technologies, but am looking forward to learning more about the others. I am also hoping to be able to integrate them easily and effectively into my classroom.

I wonder though if the kids might get overwhelmed by doing blogs for every class. I know they love technology and use it easily, but more tech? Is there a point where there is too much?

mrt