What aspects of this course did you find most beneficial? How the information that I learned was directly linked to education and it was easy to link it to the classroom
What aspects of this course did you find did not meet your needs? This course meet my needs by addressing how technology is being used in the classroom. PLE and Web 2.0 are some ideas and tools that made an impact in my learning.
What topics in this course were most interesting to you? How technology is available to everybody and how PLEs make the students learning self directed.
What topics in this course were least helpful/interesting? "Diversity, cultural understanding, and global awareness" was the most interseting to me. It is crazy that the whole world and be connected and learn from eachother. "Adaptive and assistive technologies" was tough for me to connect too, to me it was too much medical talk and not educational.
How did your knowledge of issues in educational technology evolve over the semester? Did you have any "Aha" moments? PLEs really gave the me Aha momnet. I love the idea and how the student is in charge of the learning.
Monday, April 28, 2014
Friday, April 11, 2014
Cyberbullying Workshop
Please click on the attached link to view my professional development workshop on Cyberbullying.
https://sites.google.com/site/professionaldevelopmentwkshp/
https://sites.google.com/site/professionaldevelopmentwkshp/
Module 13 Adaptive and assistive technologies, Part II
Emerging Technologies and Their Impact on Disability
Childhood disabilities are on the rise, and Wise mentioned that technological improvements in the physical environment need to be done to lessen childhood disabilities and injury. Focusing on better housing, poison preventing packaging, and safer roads can help make the child's life experiences safer. "This article investigate several specific facets of this transformation: the influence of technological change on the definition of disability, and the ability of the current delivery system to afford access to emerging technologies designed to prevent and reduce the impact of disabling conditions in children." (Wise 2) Technology is defined as scientific knowledge that is directed and applied to help improve life and well being. Disability is summarized as a health-related limitation that is desired by society. Technology when first introduced can be dramatically good and bad for a persons life. An example is the cell phone, we are able to text and call on it anywhere we want but it creates a large burden on the blind individuals. It also prevents an individual from using it who has a physical disability,that will be unable to touch the buttons on the cell phone. Preventative technologies have helped vaccine individual to reduce and eliminate diseases that were causing disabilities. There is also genetic screening of the fetus to identify if the fetus has a genetic disability, this is very controversial in society because many ethical and moral questions arise. Therapeutic technologies are greatly influenced by "technical interventions, including medications, specialized medical and educational services and a variety of assisting devices." (5) 9 to 15 percent of children in the United States require prescribed medication for on going health issues. 36% of children require glasses, 5% require a mobility service, and 7% hearing care. Technical advances are reshaping children's life with disabilities. With these technological advances, children are able to life a more independent and enjoyable life. There are therapeutic and preventative technologies that are being offered to children that enables these children the chance to live a successful life, where in the past it would have been difficult.
Reflection
When I read about the ethical and moral issues of terminating a pregnancy, it kind of made me upset a bit. With new technologies out there and the ability to diagnose genetic disease such as trisomy 21 and cystic fibrosis, but to my delight there are ways that this could be corrected by fetus surgeries. It is also great to hear that technology advancements is happening all over the world and not just in the United States. For example, in Finland 77% of families benefit from assistive devices for feeding, dressing and hygiene. While I was reading, I caught myself a couple of times, wondering why we are reading this article because it seemed that the audience would that of the medical background but the more I read the more I understood. When the disability is addressed and the correction is made to their everyday life, there learning will be enhanced because the student will not be worried about the obstacles that life is giving them. They will be able to focus more on their learning and not the disability.
Childhood disabilities are on the rise, and Wise mentioned that technological improvements in the physical environment need to be done to lessen childhood disabilities and injury. Focusing on better housing, poison preventing packaging, and safer roads can help make the child's life experiences safer. "This article investigate several specific facets of this transformation: the influence of technological change on the definition of disability, and the ability of the current delivery system to afford access to emerging technologies designed to prevent and reduce the impact of disabling conditions in children." (Wise 2) Technology is defined as scientific knowledge that is directed and applied to help improve life and well being. Disability is summarized as a health-related limitation that is desired by society. Technology when first introduced can be dramatically good and bad for a persons life. An example is the cell phone, we are able to text and call on it anywhere we want but it creates a large burden on the blind individuals. It also prevents an individual from using it who has a physical disability,that will be unable to touch the buttons on the cell phone. Preventative technologies have helped vaccine individual to reduce and eliminate diseases that were causing disabilities. There is also genetic screening of the fetus to identify if the fetus has a genetic disability, this is very controversial in society because many ethical and moral questions arise. Therapeutic technologies are greatly influenced by "technical interventions, including medications, specialized medical and educational services and a variety of assisting devices." (5) 9 to 15 percent of children in the United States require prescribed medication for on going health issues. 36% of children require glasses, 5% require a mobility service, and 7% hearing care. Technical advances are reshaping children's life with disabilities. With these technological advances, children are able to life a more independent and enjoyable life. There are therapeutic and preventative technologies that are being offered to children that enables these children the chance to live a successful life, where in the past it would have been difficult.
Reflection
When I read about the ethical and moral issues of terminating a pregnancy, it kind of made me upset a bit. With new technologies out there and the ability to diagnose genetic disease such as trisomy 21 and cystic fibrosis, but to my delight there are ways that this could be corrected by fetus surgeries. It is also great to hear that technology advancements is happening all over the world and not just in the United States. For example, in Finland 77% of families benefit from assistive devices for feeding, dressing and hygiene. While I was reading, I caught myself a couple of times, wondering why we are reading this article because it seemed that the audience would that of the medical background but the more I read the more I understood. When the disability is addressed and the correction is made to their everyday life, there learning will be enhanced because the student will not be worried about the obstacles that life is giving them. They will be able to focus more on their learning and not the disability.
Saturday, April 5, 2014
WebAnywhere
At first I had no idea what the computer was saying. The language seemed of a different language, but then I watched the YouTube video and it all seemed to make sense. Using key commands did work effectively but it would be difficult to memorize these commands. Figuring how to use Web Anywhere was pretty simple. Next to the word location you type where you want to go, and then use the control commands. A blind person would be able to use WebAnywhere in a very simple manner. A few problems that would come up, would be if the individual did not have head phones to use while on a public computer, or the operating system would be different then the individual expected. Other wise this program positively benefits the blind person, in enabling them to use the Internet and learning software. I feel lucky that I do not have a disability that will limit my technology use, but by using WebAnywhere it made me appreciate my abilities.
Module 12 Adaptive and assistive technologies, Part I
Adaptive Technology
Computers are able to be adapted for people who have disabilities. These disabilities could be low vision, blindness, speech and hearing impairments, learning disabilities, mobility, or health impairments. Individuals that have a disability, benefit greatly from using computers. They benefit by being able to access a computer for enjoyment and by working with electronic resources, such as word processors or spread sheets. Adaptive software can be a very simple installment on a computer or it can be very dynamic. Either way, they are used to help the people with disabilities easy access computers. The following are the disabilities followed by the tactics that make the computers adaptive.
Blindness - The keyboards are standard while braille and specialized voice programs are used.
Reflective
Computers are able to be adapted for people who have disabilities. These disabilities could be low vision, blindness, speech and hearing impairments, learning disabilities, mobility, or health impairments. Individuals that have a disability, benefit greatly from using computers. They benefit by being able to access a computer for enjoyment and by working with electronic resources, such as word processors or spread sheets. Adaptive software can be a very simple installment on a computer or it can be very dynamic. Either way, they are used to help the people with disabilities easy access computers. The following are the disabilities followed by the tactics that make the computers adaptive.
Blindness - The keyboards are standard while braille and specialized voice programs are used.
- Input- dots on the key board are used
- output- speech out and braille
- documentation - scanners that can read and store material
- Input- large keys
- output- large monitor and text enlarger
- documentation - scanners that can read and enlarged printer abilities
- Input- word processors with the capabilities to spell check, highlight, grammar check and predict.
- output- enlarged screen, color contrasts. Reading and speech systems.
- documentation - speech output and speech output.
- Input- flexible mouse, keyboard, easy on/off switch, word prediction software
- output-assistant may be needed to print materials, speech output
- documentation - generally do not have difficulty.
Assistive Technology
With so many adaptive technologies there are bound to be some negativity that follow. Individuals with mobility disabilities may have troubles fitting their wheel chair beneath the computer. For this problem to be fixed, there are flexible keyboards, monitors, mouses, and documentation. There are devices that let the individual make selections without using there fingers. These devices could be accessed by using their mouth, head-stick or some other pointing device. There are also left and right hand keyboards that are designed for people with impairments. For the more severe disabilities input could be done by using Morse Code or voluntary controls using the knee, finger or mouth. Screen output is not a problem but assistance could be needed. Low vision and blindness is made adaptive for computer use by having enlarged output, braille, color changing, and voice output devices. Technological accommodations for people have a LD (learning disabled) are to be done by a "trial by error method." The person who is LD is able to give advice on what basic tools helps the individual demonstrate knowledge and intelligence. Word processors, reading systems, concept mappings, and talking calculators are only a few of the accommodations that are able to help an individual with a LD. Bathrooms, aisle ways, door ways and building entrances must be designed to allow wheel chairs access, if not what is the point of have accessible computers. Positions of keyboards, table and monitors need to be able to move to accommodate the person. StickeyKeys and FliterKeys makes the standard keyboard more accessible. Alternative key boards and keyguards are also used to correctly push the correct keys. Word prediction, alternative pointing systems, and speech recognition are all used to accommodate the individual. Visual, and hearing impairments, along with limited sensitivity can be corrected by using a variety of methods even thou hearing impairments has few adaptions. Screen enlargement, and programs titled, ZoomText Xtra MAGic are free to download are very helpful accommodation. People with limited sensory impairment can benefit by using Dragon NaturallySpeaking or Voice Xpress to control the computer.
It is great to see that technology is able to serve anybody with any disabilities. I was really impressed with the abilities of the computer to serve the the blind. Having Braille key boards is a wonderful invention that helps. Society has made technology available for anybody to use. I noticed that the adaptation can be used by anybody with different disabilities. Screen enlargements, and voice recognition is able to serve people with visual, mobility and learning disabilities. It is also great to think that the program Dragon can be used by any individuals, disability or not. Many people can talk better than they type, so Dragon would be helpful in this scenario. While reading these articles, I kept think about Stephan Hawking and his disabilities. I believe he uses a head stick to communicate and he communicates entirely through a computer. Technology is helping him continue successful life. I wounder if there centers or libraries that are technology catered for people who have disabilities mentioned in the readings for this module?
Tuesday, March 25, 2014
Module 11 Troubleshoot basic software, hardware, and connectivity problems
Computer Troubleshooting for Teachers and Students
This website gives 5 topics that will help the individual trouble shoot problems that arise while using computers. The five topics are Common Input/Output Devices, Internet and Networking, SmartBoard and Projectors, Microsoft Office Applications, and Printers and Scanners. After clicking each link it will give you the information that will help you fix any problem that comes up when using these items on the computer. Having the information and being able to fix the errors yourself will free the technology coordinator's time, so he or she will be able to focus on helping the teachers use 21st century skills in the classroom.
Reflection
A simple restart of the computer will fix the problem that pops up in the classroom. Teachers should know the simple fixes for simple problems. Teachers need to know how to fix the common error in Microsoft Office and the everyday technology based problems in the classroom. The reason why I feel so strongly about this is that the technology coordinator may not always be present immediately and if the teacher is able to solve the problem, the classroom flow will not be interrupted by the technology coordinator entering the classroom or the error presenting itself during class.
I would love to be part of a pilot program that would place 1:1 with student to computer ratio. I think this would be enjoyable because the teachers are part of the culture change of education, it is giving the students the tools to educate themselves and go at their own pace. In other words, giving the students freedom to educate themselves. I especially love the note taking and video editing tools that are programmed on the computer. I also loved the idea on how to overcome the problem if the student doesn't receive a laptop or forgets their's at home. The way this will be fixed is by a term they used called "laptop buddies". This is where a student can borrow a laptop from another student, or that student is grouped with other students who also do not have a laptop.
Activity
Self Assessment
Summary paragraphs - There is one summary paragraph per reading. Each paragraph is substantial and well developed. . Good 5/5
Reflection paragraph(s) -One or more reflection paragraphs are substantial, well-developed and show deep thinking about the readings. 5/5 Good
Quality of Writing - Writing contains no more than 1 spelling or grammar mistakes. Writing is very clear and the organization is superior. . 5/5 Good
Connections to readings - Reflection paragraph(s) make a strong and coherent connection to each reading. 5/5 Good
This website gives 5 topics that will help the individual trouble shoot problems that arise while using computers. The five topics are Common Input/Output Devices, Internet and Networking, SmartBoard and Projectors, Microsoft Office Applications, and Printers and Scanners. After clicking each link it will give you the information that will help you fix any problem that comes up when using these items on the computer. Having the information and being able to fix the errors yourself will free the technology coordinator's time, so he or she will be able to focus on helping the teachers use 21st century skills in the classroom.
A Computer for Every Student and Teacher: Lessons Learned
about Planning and Implementing a successful 1:1 Learning Initiative in Schools
Every teacher and student in twelve high schools will receive a laptop with wireless connection to the internet. The goal for this initiative is," to improve teaching practices; increase student achievement; and better prepare students for work, citizenship, and life in the 21st century."(Corn,Oliver,Hess, Halstead,Argueta, Patel Tingen,Huff 1). This study started in 2008 and lasted 3 years. Surveys, focus groups, and classroom observations were used to assess how well the initiative was going and what needed to be fixed to make it better. Teachers received the laptops first so they will be able to receive PD, while the students received them on a later time. Wireless access was a problem, because many schools had to be redesigned with wireless access. Lenovo, Apple, Hewlett-Packard, and Dell were the brands of laptops that the schools choose from. These computers had the access to learning tools such as Word, Web page editors, E-mail applications, and Video editing tools. Schools incorporated guide lines that were set up to govern student usage. Support personnel were utilized to help students and teachers. The support personnel had the duty to, "conducted professional development, troubleshooting equipment and software issues, modeling technology use and co-teaching. They also reported maintaining open communication with district technology staff as part of their regular routine."(11) Professional development was offered to teachers in a variety of areas, examples are; lesson planning sessions, classroom management and policy issues, and differentiated levels. Students were excited with this initiative because it gave them the chance to interact with peers more, engage in educational websites and games, access to study assistants, and to gain information for research projects. Students having the computers were preparing them for a society where it is more globally connected, and technological advanced. Reflection
A simple restart of the computer will fix the problem that pops up in the classroom. Teachers should know the simple fixes for simple problems. Teachers need to know how to fix the common error in Microsoft Office and the everyday technology based problems in the classroom. The reason why I feel so strongly about this is that the technology coordinator may not always be present immediately and if the teacher is able to solve the problem, the classroom flow will not be interrupted by the technology coordinator entering the classroom or the error presenting itself during class.
I would love to be part of a pilot program that would place 1:1 with student to computer ratio. I think this would be enjoyable because the teachers are part of the culture change of education, it is giving the students the tools to educate themselves and go at their own pace. In other words, giving the students freedom to educate themselves. I especially love the note taking and video editing tools that are programmed on the computer. I also loved the idea on how to overcome the problem if the student doesn't receive a laptop or forgets their's at home. The way this will be fixed is by a term they used called "laptop buddies". This is where a student can borrow a laptop from another student, or that student is grouped with other students who also do not have a laptop.
Activity
| Problem | Solution and student solution |
| There is no sound coming out of the speakers on the student computers.
|
Make sure the speakers are
plugged in and the power is turned on.
There should be a green light that shows the power is on. If there is power and still no sound coming from the speakers, you should then go to the control panel and locate
the icon, “sounds and audio", following
the advanced prompts.
If neither of these works,
contact the technology coordinator for a new set of speakers.
I am able to teach the students the
proper way to connect the speakers if this needs to be done. Most computers have internal speakers and
there should be no reason why students need to change this.
|
I can't connect to the
network.
|
Double check that the FJ-45
cable is plugged in and the green light is shown. Make sure you are typing in
the correct username and password, and that the CAPS button is either on or
off. Most passwords are case sensitive. Be sure that you are not logged into
another computer; most networks allow you to be logged onto one computer at a
time.
Educate the students on the correct way
to join the network and to memorize their username and password. The students should recite the correct
username and password and steps to the teacher before they get the
computer.
|
My computer keeps freezing
up on me.
|
The computer is usually low
on memory and you should contact the technology coordinator. A simple patch could fix the problem. A plug-in such as Adobe Flash, Javascript,
and ActiveX could be used to fix the problem.
If neither of these fixes work, then malware or a virus could be in
the system. Running an anti-virus
program can solve this problem.
The network should be updated with the
latest anti-virus programs and students will not need to worry about the
update. If the computer keeps freezing
up for the student he or she will need to contact the teacher or contact the correct teacher that will help them solve the problem.
|
My printer won't print.
|
Make sure the cables are
connected, and consult the program manual to see what cables are needed to connect
the printer and computer. Also double
check the correct printer driver is up on the computer.
Tell the student to double check that they are selecting the correct printer to print from. Also check the printer to see if it needs
paper or toner added to it. They
should have a printer that is their default printer, so all printed items go
to the same printer
|
My SMARTboard pens aren't
working.
|
Make sure the light is green
and if it is not you need to reset the SMARTboard by placing a pencil or pen into the small hole and holding the red
button down until all 4 pen holders blink and the red light turns to
green. Make sure all the pens are in
the tray and pick any color and use on the board.
Model for the students how this can be done, and students can do it when
you are teaching. This will limit
classroom distraction. Name one of the
student to be the “go to person” that performs the duties to reset the
SMARTboard when needed.
|
Self Assessment
Summary paragraphs - There is one summary paragraph per reading. Each paragraph is substantial and well developed. . Good 5/5
Reflection paragraph(s) -One or more reflection paragraphs are substantial, well-developed and show deep thinking about the readings. 5/5 Good
Quality of Writing - Writing contains no more than 1 spelling or grammar mistakes. Writing is very clear and the organization is superior. . 5/5 Good
Connections to readings - Reflection paragraph(s) make a strong and coherent connection to each reading. 5/5 Good
Friday, March 21, 2014
Module 10 Using digital communication and collaboration tools to interact globally with students, peers, parents, and the larger community
Educating for Global Competence: Preparing Our Youth to Engage the World
The global economy and the demands of work have changed because of the speed of the Internet, lowering import tariffs, and foreign investment by the federal government. Employers are looking for more competent and reliable workers who are are willing to work wherever the job is located. Jobs that are completed by using simple techniques are being completed by robots, where as jobs that require expert thinking and communication are on the rise. High levels of mathematics, reading, writing, literature, science, history, and arts will be essential in the future employee generation. Future jobs will require employees to imagine and create things that will be able to be used in everyday life. Examples are writing books, movies, imagining new types of software, and developing creative sales techniques. In order for the students to understand the deflated economy, they will need to be willing to improve on their own work and have the willingness to change. With globalization changing the workforce, students will also need to understand the foreign market. For workers to be competitive, students must understand the global significance. Topics that are imperative for global significance are engineering, science and business, which require the student to think and act like an expert. A change in demographics is happening all over the world and in the United States it is no different. 214 million migrants are living and working around the world, and 50 million are estimated to live within the United States. The migrant population is responsible for giving back $338 billion dollars to their county of origin. Besides the money aspect, migrants also send back to their home country social ideas and know-hows. A growing number of migrants are able to communicate with their family back in their home country because of the technology revolution. In order for students to succeed in a world of unprecedented migration we have to provide students with positive examples when cultures meet. They can meet in the classroom, society, or virtually. What can help the students compete in the changing global economy is the use of Common Core Standards. Common Core gives the teachers flexibility to create learning experiences in working with the global economy and work force. Competent global students must be able to recognize global perspectives.
1. Recognize and express their own perspective on situations, events, issues, or
phenomena and identify the influences on that perspective.
2. Examine perspectives of other people, groups, or schools of thought and identify the
influences on those perspectives.
3. Explain how cultural interactions influence situations, events, issues, or phenomena,
including the development of knowledge.
4. Articulate how differential access to knowledge, technology, and resources affects
quality of life and perspectives. (Jackson and Mansilla, 36).
Sister Cities and Sister Schools
Pen pals are now maintained on a blog level and no longer with a pen and paper. Sister Schools use blogs to express ideas, experiences, and histories. By using three examples it has created a worldly connection. Blogs are also being used for students introducing themselves to other foreign partners, communicating about field trips and allowing administrators to provide information to each other about their schools. Blogs are being used primarily by teachers, but student use is on the rise. The only draw back of students blogging is that teachers are not able to consistently monitor their blogs. PowerPoint, Keynote, and Slide Shows are all programs that help provide visual representation between global communities. Skype is used through a PC, whereas FaceTime is used with a Mac device. Both help with the understanding and communication with peers face to face. Problems arise when the broad band, time zones, and cameras prove to be a speed bump when trying to communicate. Wikis are used to collaborate information about the topics of discussion. Users are able to edit the information that is presented. Blogs and wikis are generally used by administrators, teachers and sister city leaders and can be used anytime, in any time zone. Again, adult supervision is a concern with wikis because the supervision maybe not be available at all times. YouTube is used to exchange visit reports, introductions to sister schools, and documenting community information. Lack of video equipment can be a road block when accessing YouTube, but on the bright side it can be done whenever and wherever, no matter the time zone.
Virtual Field Trips - The Hershey Company
All the cocoa beans come from other countries, and they are shipped to Hershey, Pennsylvania. The reason Hershey Pennsylvania was chosen to make chocolate is because of the lush land for dairy farms and abundant spring water. Milk is valuable but the beans are the most important. They arrive daily. Once the beans are cleaned, they are sorted by country of origin. The beans are then shattered and the nib, which is the inside of the bean, is used to make the chocolate. Nibs are then changed to chocolate liqueur, and then when the nibs are ground up, the result is cocoa powder. Constant grinding gives the chocolate the fine texture, and this takes several hours. 100 pounds of chocolate is created each day, with almonds from California being used to make candy bars.
OERcommons
OERcommons is a free resource that teachers and students can use. Open Educational Resource (OER) offers "courses, modules, syllabi, lectures, homework assignments, quizzes, lab activities, pedagogical materials, games, simulations, and many more resources contained in digital media collections from around the world." The feature is Wikipedia, the feature network is OLNET Evidence hub, and there is an app for training, also. There are tabs that give the user guidance around the website. A road map is presented for leaders, teachers, and students. There are yearly meetings, and the meeting places are all around the work. The groups where people can meet are from Hawaii, Arkansas, and UC Berkeley.
The global economy and the demands of work have changed because of the speed of the Internet, lowering import tariffs, and foreign investment by the federal government. Employers are looking for more competent and reliable workers who are are willing to work wherever the job is located. Jobs that are completed by using simple techniques are being completed by robots, where as jobs that require expert thinking and communication are on the rise. High levels of mathematics, reading, writing, literature, science, history, and arts will be essential in the future employee generation. Future jobs will require employees to imagine and create things that will be able to be used in everyday life. Examples are writing books, movies, imagining new types of software, and developing creative sales techniques. In order for the students to understand the deflated economy, they will need to be willing to improve on their own work and have the willingness to change. With globalization changing the workforce, students will also need to understand the foreign market. For workers to be competitive, students must understand the global significance. Topics that are imperative for global significance are engineering, science and business, which require the student to think and act like an expert. A change in demographics is happening all over the world and in the United States it is no different. 214 million migrants are living and working around the world, and 50 million are estimated to live within the United States. The migrant population is responsible for giving back $338 billion dollars to their county of origin. Besides the money aspect, migrants also send back to their home country social ideas and know-hows. A growing number of migrants are able to communicate with their family back in their home country because of the technology revolution. In order for students to succeed in a world of unprecedented migration we have to provide students with positive examples when cultures meet. They can meet in the classroom, society, or virtually. What can help the students compete in the changing global economy is the use of Common Core Standards. Common Core gives the teachers flexibility to create learning experiences in working with the global economy and work force. Competent global students must be able to recognize global perspectives.
1. Recognize and express their own perspective on situations, events, issues, or
phenomena and identify the influences on that perspective.
2. Examine perspectives of other people, groups, or schools of thought and identify the
influences on those perspectives.
3. Explain how cultural interactions influence situations, events, issues, or phenomena,
including the development of knowledge.
4. Articulate how differential access to knowledge, technology, and resources affects
quality of life and perspectives. (Jackson and Mansilla, 36).
A school in California and a learning center for the poor in a slum in India engaged with each other with the concern for awareness of living conditions. The project encouraged the students to think for themselves, and see how the majority of the world lives. Students communicated by using Skype and blogs and reviewed each others' work. The students review of the work from their counterparts in India turned into contemporary art, and the work of the students in India turned into a mobile classroom that could be used for a place of meditation and study. Diverse workplace, academic study, and civic participation is must for the 21st century students. Connections with other cultures will overcome stereotypes, and develop intercultural understanding. Learning about other people's culture forces the students to develop intercultural awareness.
Sister Cities and Sister Schools
Pen pals are now maintained on a blog level and no longer with a pen and paper. Sister Schools use blogs to express ideas, experiences, and histories. By using three examples it has created a worldly connection. Blogs are also being used for students introducing themselves to other foreign partners, communicating about field trips and allowing administrators to provide information to each other about their schools. Blogs are being used primarily by teachers, but student use is on the rise. The only draw back of students blogging is that teachers are not able to consistently monitor their blogs. PowerPoint, Keynote, and Slide Shows are all programs that help provide visual representation between global communities. Skype is used through a PC, whereas FaceTime is used with a Mac device. Both help with the understanding and communication with peers face to face. Problems arise when the broad band, time zones, and cameras prove to be a speed bump when trying to communicate. Wikis are used to collaborate information about the topics of discussion. Users are able to edit the information that is presented. Blogs and wikis are generally used by administrators, teachers and sister city leaders and can be used anytime, in any time zone. Again, adult supervision is a concern with wikis because the supervision maybe not be available at all times. YouTube is used to exchange visit reports, introductions to sister schools, and documenting community information. Lack of video equipment can be a road block when accessing YouTube, but on the bright side it can be done whenever and wherever, no matter the time zone.
Virtual Field Trips - The Hershey Company
All the cocoa beans come from other countries, and they are shipped to Hershey, Pennsylvania. The reason Hershey Pennsylvania was chosen to make chocolate is because of the lush land for dairy farms and abundant spring water. Milk is valuable but the beans are the most important. They arrive daily. Once the beans are cleaned, they are sorted by country of origin. The beans are then shattered and the nib, which is the inside of the bean, is used to make the chocolate. Nibs are then changed to chocolate liqueur, and then when the nibs are ground up, the result is cocoa powder. Constant grinding gives the chocolate the fine texture, and this takes several hours. 100 pounds of chocolate is created each day, with almonds from California being used to make candy bars.
OERcommons
OERcommons is a free resource that teachers and students can use. Open Educational Resource (OER) offers "courses, modules, syllabi, lectures, homework assignments, quizzes, lab activities, pedagogical materials, games, simulations, and many more resources contained in digital media collections from around the world." The feature is Wikipedia, the feature network is OLNET Evidence hub, and there is an app for training, also. There are tabs that give the user guidance around the website. A road map is presented for leaders, teachers, and students. There are yearly meetings, and the meeting places are all around the work. The groups where people can meet are from Hawaii, Arkansas, and UC Berkeley.
Reflection
It is impressive that globalization is uniting the work force and creating a more centralized businesses. Twenty-first century employees will need to understand different cultures in order to effectively work together. I wonder how the communication began with the school in California and the learning center in India. What a great experience for the students and teachers. I bet friendships were created and bonds formed. I would venture to say the students from California gained more than educational knowledge. I would think they feel lucky and blessed to have such a simple and easy life at home, compared to the students in India. Sister City and Sister Schools was interesting in that technology is their only way to quickly stay connected. With wikis, YouTube, FaceTime and Skype being used for communication, the schools are able to create bonds and relationships. It is wonderful how all of these items have surpassed the "pen pal era". OER is and can be a great resource; I am teaching patterns to my fifth graders and I am stuck at the moment, and I have already found information that will help me teach math patterns to my class. There are over 312 items to look for! Great resource.
Virtual Field Trip to See Where The Battle of Gettysburg Took Place
I have always been curious about the Civil War, and more importantly Gettysburg. There is a large amount of information and multimedia concerning Gettysburg on the web. The amount of information was so much that it was difficult to decide what to use and what not use. My virtual field trip will explain the important significance of The Battle of Gettysburg and the events that happened that made this battle a deciding factor in the war.
Following are the links for the virtual field trip:
-What started The Battle of Gettysburg
- Picketts Charge
- General Lee's last ditch effort to win Gettysburg
- Horrifc images of war
- The Gettysburg Address
Virtual Field Trip to See Where The Battle of Gettysburg Took Place
I have always been curious about the Civil War, and more importantly Gettysburg. There is a large amount of information and multimedia concerning Gettysburg on the web. The amount of information was so much that it was difficult to decide what to use and what not use. My virtual field trip will explain the important significance of The Battle of Gettysburg and the events that happened that made this battle a deciding factor in the war.
Following are the links for the virtual field trip:
-What started The Battle of Gettysburg
- Picketts Charge
- General Lee's last ditch effort to win Gettysburg
- Horrifc images of war
- The Gettysburg Address
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