Monday, April 12, 2010

Online Conference ( required)

I had the chance to listen to a few different podcasts:


This podcast talked about a wide range of technological tools that are handy in the classroom. Some examples include the use of Google tools, the E portfolio, wikis and other websites. I really enjoyed this individual's insight into the E portfolio or "Googlio". I am particularly interested in this because of the new portfolio system that we are setting up in the education program. It is interesting to hear about all of the things that can be included in something like this and also to see how it can be used in all different age groups from kindergarten to graduate students. I think that it is a great idea to have students become familiar with the portfolio at a young age, especially with how competitive the job market is getting. If kids are better equipped at a young age to be ready for the workforce and the "real world" the better. I also particularly like his ending statement that we are in fact on the breach of a "technological renaissance" it just makes everything seem very epic.


This Podcast focuses on a method of "remixing" in regards to a project that a class did on Canadian history. The teacher focus on "inquiry based work" where students can research history and can come up with their own conclusions. This is based on a story of a "Cigar Box" collection of a man who collects cigar box and claims that "each panel of the box, as he uncovers them is a part of history." So this teacher decided to have his students create cigar panels that represent different parts of Canadian history through images and research. Students could then "Remix" images to understand history more closely.
1. analyze "Canada in a Box" website ( different images and what they mean)
2. Had a professor come in to speak about the "Cigar Box" exhibit
3. Students research topic
4. Sketches in sketchbook
5. Macromedia Fireworks graphic editing program
6. Create five panel (form a virtual museum)
7. Frequent feedback
8. Worked with a Curator from the museum
9. Finishing touch.
10. Wood shop

I really liked this project because it made history come alive for the 7th grade class. I also think that it is cool that this became a class effort and the students had to work together to form their own personal museum. I love the idea of making history more personal and also to have students really think about historical artifacts and what they mean, not just memorize dates and facts. I loved this project and I greatly admire the hard work of this class and this teacher.

This Podcast about a classroom that focus on technology and global development. It includes the presentations of individual students who present different group projects. Also, students reflected on the experiences with different global classrooms.
Some of these include:
1. predicting the future
2. Summits with other classrooms around the world (Germany, Australia)
3. Creation of video

I think this is a great way for students to connect with other students from other countries. This allows the world to become more real and also allows students to engage cross cultural. I also really enjoyed the fact that teachers from across the world are using this program to connect across cultures. This would be a great addition to a history, social studies, or geography curriculum.

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