I would like to address this to ... your students:
It is okay if you don't see the value in twitter. It takes time to develop relationships from your network and to feel comfortable enough to share with them and have them share with you.
Obviously, many people feel twitter has value for their personal and professional lives. That doesn't mean that twitter will work that way for you.
I would suggest you give twitter some time and attention. Broaden who you follow and read what they write. Don't feel bad if you only "lurk" because everyone on twitter lurks sometimes. Then, if you still don't see the usefulness for it then don't use it. No tool is right for everyone.
If twitter doesn't work for you, I would encourage you to find other avenues to develop a network. The worst thing you can do is isolate yourself from the collective intelligence (and sometimes wisdom) of the rest of us.
Mr. C
Saturday, April 25, 2009
Friday, April 24, 2009
A Letter to My EDM 310 Students
I have just read Finding the Passion posted today by Mr. Jarrod Lamshed @jlamshed on the blog At The Teacher's Desk, a collaborative blog by 7 fantastic teachers in Australia, New Zealand, Missouri. The subtitle of the blog is "An experiment in professional learning, collaboration and sharing of ideas." If you really do aspire to be a fantastic teacher,or even just a good teacher, then you should be reading this blog regularly. And when you begin your teaching career, you should be a contributor to it or a similar effort that you start or participate in.
Why is this blog so important?
1. It is an example of what can be found on Twitter. From our Twitter learning experience came our connections to these teachers and this blog. So indirectly it is evidence of the power of Twitter to inform and connect.
2. It is written by real practicing teachers who give a hoot about their teaching. They are passionate about it in a very positive way. In the most recent post Jarrod Lamshed discusses his problem with the word passion but then goes on to describe how his collaborative participation in the world of blogs, streaming video, collaboration and creativity have made him a very passionate teacher. You don't often get to talk with such dedicated, imaginative and "passionate" teachers. Take advantage of it.
3. In my Professional Blog I suggest that we need to avoid being captured by the mantra Return to the Basics but instead we need to adopt the 5Cs: Cloud Computing ("All Information in All Places at All Times"; ClassRooms to ClassSpace, Collaboration, Creativity, Change. The teachers contributing to this blog are practicing all of these all the time. You get a chance to be a part of their thinking process if you read this blog. And you can comment on their posts! And you can converse with them on Twitter and in the wide variety of communication options that they encourage. You don't get that opportunity in the classrooms here!
4. In your Professional Blogs I try to get you start being a "Reflective Practitioner." This blog is the best example of "reflections on practice" by classroom teachers that I have ever seen. Let it be a model to you throughout your professional life.
5. In another post in this blog I passed along Mr. C's musing that he wondered whether you realized how lucky you were to have all of the great helpers in our Twitter learning exercise. These are extremely valuable mentors as you seek to become teachers. Value them, learn from them, let them be your models!
6. This blog is an excellent example of writing with multimedia. You know that I think that one of your major tasks as teachers will be to understand that your students are members of the listening/watching generation and not reader/writers. And I am strongly convinced that as teachers you must lead your students to be contributors to the multimedia world, not just consumers. Well, this blog is a fantastic example of how to write with multimedia. Every post has audio, video, links, or makes use of some of the new tools that are available to us today. Here is a model you can adopt and encourage (and approve) for your students, even where your culture still thinks it all has to be text! (Like this blog, which is almost all text. I talk a good game. Next semester I will try to be a better multimedia model!
7. This blog is a perfect example of how important it is to abandon walls and adopt space for our classes. New Zealand, Australia, the United States. All in one place. Where do you find that in Alabama?
8. If you think that I am always adding things for you to learn because "I don't know. Let's find out", just reflect on these teachers. They go at an even faster pace than I do. You must be ready to be full time learners as well as full time teachers. Just like these teachers!
9. This is collaboration in action! I have admitted in my Professional Blog (I hope you have read it class, since yours is due next Thursday at 5pm) that a major failing of mine this year is not having assigned a single collaborative project this semester. That will change next semester. Well, the podcasts were sort of collaborative, I suppose. But I will expand on the collaboration. Seize the opportunity to watch what collaboration can do for teaching, for students, and for US!
Why is this blog so important?
1. It is an example of what can be found on Twitter. From our Twitter learning experience came our connections to these teachers and this blog. So indirectly it is evidence of the power of Twitter to inform and connect.
2. It is written by real practicing teachers who give a hoot about their teaching. They are passionate about it in a very positive way. In the most recent post Jarrod Lamshed discusses his problem with the word passion but then goes on to describe how his collaborative participation in the world of blogs, streaming video, collaboration and creativity have made him a very passionate teacher. You don't often get to talk with such dedicated, imaginative and "passionate" teachers. Take advantage of it.
3. In my Professional Blog I suggest that we need to avoid being captured by the mantra Return to the Basics but instead we need to adopt the 5Cs: Cloud Computing ("All Information in All Places at All Times"; ClassRooms to ClassSpace, Collaboration, Creativity, Change. The teachers contributing to this blog are practicing all of these all the time. You get a chance to be a part of their thinking process if you read this blog. And you can comment on their posts! And you can converse with them on Twitter and in the wide variety of communication options that they encourage. You don't get that opportunity in the classrooms here!
4. In your Professional Blogs I try to get you start being a "Reflective Practitioner." This blog is the best example of "reflections on practice" by classroom teachers that I have ever seen. Let it be a model to you throughout your professional life.
5. In another post in this blog I passed along Mr. C's musing that he wondered whether you realized how lucky you were to have all of the great helpers in our Twitter learning exercise. These are extremely valuable mentors as you seek to become teachers. Value them, learn from them, let them be your models!
6. This blog is an excellent example of writing with multimedia. You know that I think that one of your major tasks as teachers will be to understand that your students are members of the listening/watching generation and not reader/writers. And I am strongly convinced that as teachers you must lead your students to be contributors to the multimedia world, not just consumers. Well, this blog is a fantastic example of how to write with multimedia. Every post has audio, video, links, or makes use of some of the new tools that are available to us today. Here is a model you can adopt and encourage (and approve) for your students, even where your culture still thinks it all has to be text! (Like this blog, which is almost all text. I talk a good game. Next semester I will try to be a better multimedia model!
7. This blog is a perfect example of how important it is to abandon walls and adopt space for our classes. New Zealand, Australia, the United States. All in one place. Where do you find that in Alabama?
8. If you think that I am always adding things for you to learn because "I don't know. Let's find out", just reflect on these teachers. They go at an even faster pace than I do. You must be ready to be full time learners as well as full time teachers. Just like these teachers!
9. This is collaboration in action! I have admitted in my Professional Blog (I hope you have read it class, since yours is due next Thursday at 5pm) that a major failing of mine this year is not having assigned a single collaborative project this semester. That will change next semester. Well, the podcasts were sort of collaborative, I suppose. But I will expand on the collaboration. Seize the opportunity to watch what collaboration can do for teaching, for students, and for US!
New Assignment
New Assignment: Read the post Letter to My EDM 310 students above. Also read Finding the Passion posted today by Mr. Jarrod Lamshed @jlamshed on the blog At The Teacher's Desk.
Congratulations T2 Class!
All 17 of you were there and EVERYONE passes the Spreadsheet (Database) test (Part A). Congratulations! This is the best performance on this test EVER by a class!
I am so delighted!
I am so delighted!
Thursday, April 23, 2009
NEW ASSIGNMENT Regarding Twitter
Next Thursday (or Next Monday if you are in the Monday class), you will have to send a general Thank You to the Twitter community.
In that Thank You you will have to include a link to your Twitter Post.
You will shorten the link using tinyurl.com
We will do all of this in class including iGoogle Page and Foliotek.
Think about your essay on Twitter. It will be distributed to all of your followers. In your essay, be specific about the contributions that specific followers have made to your understanding of Twitter, and to your understanding of what it takes to be an outstanding teacher. You have been in the company of many during your last 4 weeks (your Twitter weeks).
In that Thank You you will have to include a link to your Twitter Post.
You will shorten the link using tinyurl.com
We will do all of this in class including iGoogle Page and Foliotek.
Think about your essay on Twitter. It will be distributed to all of your followers. In your essay, be specific about the contributions that specific followers have made to your understanding of Twitter, and to your understanding of what it takes to be an outstanding teacher. You have been in the company of many during your last 4 weeks (your Twitter weeks).
Mr. C Wonders..
His tweet said: Your students don't understand how lucky they are to have these great people following them!
My response: I know! Any ideas how to increase their UNDERSTANDING? Unfortunately, many just want to finish exams and leave. THANK YOU!
Condsider this exchange as you write your report on Twitter this Sunday.
My response: I know! Any ideas how to increase their UNDERSTANDING? Unfortunately, many just want to finish exams and leave. THANK YOU!
Condsider this exchange as you write your report on Twitter this Sunday.
Ms. Kelly Hines Recommends You Follow Her Student Teacher
I did an RT of Ms. Hines suggestion. It is in #EDM310.
Read it. An excellent idea!
Read it. An excellent idea!
Congratulations!
Everyone who took the WordProcessing exam, except for one person, passed it without a single error. This is the best ever!
What about those who did not take it?
Many were exempt because they got a perfect score when I gave it the first time.
What if you were NOT exempt and did not take the exam? We need to talk!
Congratulations classes!
What about those who did not take it?
Many were exempt because they got a perfect score when I gave it the first time.
What if you were NOT exempt and did not take the exam? We need to talk!
Congratulations classes!
Spreadsheet Exam Part B
Next Monday or Tuesday you will take the Spreadsheet Exam Part B. What will it cover?
Loans (How do loans work? When the bank gets a payment from you on a loan, how is that payment allocated? How is the interest included in that payment calculated? When we say the principal of a loan has been reduced, what do we mean? What should you NEVER tell a car salesman and why? Be able to set up a loan table, solve for the 4 key elements in a formula dealing with loans (PV, RATE, NPER, PMT), Set up a Payout Table, Extend down, Extend a DATE down using the EDATE function).
How do you prepare for Part B? PRACTICE. Read the handouts, watch the movies!
Loans (How do loans work? When the bank gets a payment from you on a loan, how is that payment allocated? How is the interest included in that payment calculated? When we say the principal of a loan has been reduced, what do we mean? What should you NEVER tell a car salesman and why? Be able to set up a loan table, solve for the 4 key elements in a formula dealing with loans (PV, RATE, NPER, PMT), Set up a Payout Table, Extend down, Extend a DATE down using the EDATE function).
How do you prepare for Part B? PRACTICE. Read the handouts, watch the movies!
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
My Professional Blog Completed - For the Moment
I have completed my Professional Blog for the moment. Although I have more items/posts/topics than I required of you, you can use it as a sort of mode. I also changed the way the posts look. See the instructions below. REMEMBER: Your Professional Blogs will be evaluated as they appear at 5:00 pm on Thursday April 30.
How About a Map of Your Twitter Followers
The link is courtesy of Mr. Michael Fawcett @teachernz
The web site providing the links to generate the map is the product of About MMMeeja a company is owned and run by Andy Murdoch.
Here's how you can add a map to your site:
1. Go to this page: http://pipes.yahoo.com/mmmeeja/twitterfollowers
2. Fill in your Twitter username and password
3. When a map of your followers appears, click on Get Badge (above map on left). Choose Blogger and then your blog.
4. Go to the Layout of your blog
5. Edit the top box in the small column. It will be called twitter Followers.
6. In the script look for "password":"","username":""
7. Add your Twitter password between the "" in the password area and your Twitter username between the "" in the username area.
8. Save.
9. You may want to move the map. Try it under your Email Me box. Or try t above Blog Posts in the larger column. That's what I did. You can ckick n the + or - in the map after it has posted to see what they do. You can also move the map as I have to show New Zealand. My follower in Australia showed for a while, but no more for reasons I don't understand.
Mr. C has a smaller map. I will tweet him to see how he did that.
The web site providing the links to generate the map is the product of About MMMeeja a company is owned and run by Andy Murdoch.
Here's how you can add a map to your site:
1. Go to this page: http://pipes.yahoo.com/mmmeeja/twitterfollowers
2. Fill in your Twitter username and password
3. When a map of your followers appears, click on Get Badge (above map on left). Choose Blogger and then your blog.
4. Go to the Layout of your blog
5. Edit the top box in the small column. It will be called twitter Followers.
6. In the script look for "password":"","username":""
7. Add your Twitter password between the "" in the password area and your Twitter username between the "" in the username area.
8. Save.
9. You may want to move the map. Try it under your Email Me box. Or try t above Blog Posts in the larger column. That's what I did. You can ckick n the + or - in the map after it has posted to see what they do. You can also move the map as I have to show New Zealand. My follower in Australia showed for a while, but no more for reasons I don't understand.
Mr. C has a smaller map. I will tweet him to see how he did that.
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Another Thoughtful Teacher's Blog
Kelly Hines @kellyhines, a 4th grade teacher in Washington, N.C. has a very thoughtful blog, Keeping Kids First, which I highly recommend to you. Notice the quotation that begins her blog: The aim of education should be teaching us how to think, rather than what to think. James Beatti. Now that should be part of every teacher's tool case (Professional Blog).
Monday, April 20, 2009
Correcting Links That Do Not Work
See this post!
If you cannot understand what is missing from your formula, assuming I notify you that you have created a button but it will not be able to be used, look at the code you wrote for your email address in your Personal Blog and your Professional Blog. Compare that code with the code you have generated in the spreadsheet. What is missing in your spreadsheet version? Correct your function in your spreadsheet to generate WORKING buttons for all the people on your list.
If you cannot understand what is missing from your formula, assuming I notify you that you have created a button but it will not be able to be used, look at the code you wrote for your email address in your Personal Blog and your Professional Blog. Compare that code with the code you have generated in the spreadsheet. What is missing in your spreadsheet version? Correct your function in your spreadsheet to generate WORKING buttons for all the people on your list.
Friday, April 17, 2009
Revised Professional Blog Instructions Posted
I have replaced the old Professional Blog Instructions under the Syllabus and Handouts section with Professional Blog Instructions Revised. If you missed the Thursday class (4/16/09), or of you are having any problems with your Professional Blog, print these instructions and follow them. If you still have problems, email me or call me.
IN ADDITION, I added this suggestion for everyone since I did not demonstrate it in class:
Making Your Posts Look Better
Click the Edit button in the Blog Post box. Uncheck everything that is checked. Save. This makes your posts not appear as posts!
IN ADDITION, I added this suggestion for everyone since I did not demonstrate it in class:
Making Your Posts Look Better
Click the Edit button in the Blog Post box. Uncheck everything that is checked. Save. This makes your posts not appear as posts!
So I've Signed Up For Twitter - Now What?
Mrs. Laura Walker has written this article which I recommend you read if you are still struggling with Twitter: So I've Signed Up For Twitter - Now What?
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Important! Mr. C Interviews Students (5th) Grade Reflecting on Their Learning
Read and watch this very important post on Mr. C's Class Blog Mr. C Interviews Students (5th) Grade Reflecting on Their Learning
You should also keep an eye on Mr. C's Personal Blog: At The Teacher's Desk.
You should also keep an eye on Mr. C's Personal Blog: At The Teacher's Desk.
Professor Encourages Students to Pass Notes During Class - via Twitter
Mr. Dobbs, mentioned in my previous post, cites an article in The Chronicle of Higher Education about a professor at Penn State who streams Twitter on a second projection unit in his class. Students Twitter questions as he lectures. I don't lecture, but an interesting idea though. Read the Chronicle article by Jeffrey R. Young.
A Student Response to Johnnie Davis
Mr. Dobbs is a student in Vermont. Although he probably has never seen the Vanguard article article by Johnnie Davis I posted about yesterday, this response certainly applies.
Someone to Follow
@Brittany_Naujok is a sixth grade teacher new to Twitter looking for followers and people to follow. A good idea! Why not follow her and tell her what your assignment is about Twitter. You can learn together.
Some Personal Reflections on Collaboration and Twitter
Just a few minutes ago I was practicing Twitter as part of our joint effort to learn how to use Twitter and to determine whether and how Twitter might be useful to us as teachers. @teachernz asked about putting audio on a blog. His request was addressed to Mr. C (@wmchamberlain), but I responded as did @jlamshed, whom I have discovered (on Twitter) to be Mr. Lamshed, a teacher in Adelaide, Australia. More about him and his class later in this post.
Mr. Michael Fawcett (@teachernz) teaches Year 4 in Hamilton, New Zealand. He has had a class blog (Room 9) since 2005 and he also has a class wiki (9lenview).
I especially urge you to read his personal blog (What Now? What Next? So What?". In it he makes several important points (directly and indirectly):
1. We need to continually reflect on our professional practice (teaching). I hope I have started you on that path with your Professional Blog.
2. Collaboration pays off. If you follow Mr. Fawcett on Twitter (@teachernz), you will see that he frequently exchanges ideas, tips, questions and requests for help from Mr. C (@wmchamberlain) and Mr. Lamshed (@jlamshed). This is exactly what I want you to do as a teacher - collaborate with other teachers around the world, not just your school. My first efforts in Project 6 will be greatly expanded and improved upon next semester, primarily because we connected with Mr. C - and a lot of other teachers!
3. In Mr. Fawcett's post on EtherPad, he describes another innovative way for teachers (and students) to collaborate, especially on writing projects. When you become a teacher, explore the possibility of having your students interact with Mr. Fawcett's students, or another teacher and class somewhere else in the world! Read Mr. Fawcett's entire post on EtherPad. I had never heard of EtherPad until I found it on Mr. Fawcett's blog. And I found him on Twitter and he found the EtherPad discussion on Twitter. Note the very interesting ideas for using EtherPad in the classroom that these teachers, from many parts of the world, generated. You might want to follow the two participants in the EtherPad discussion on Tweeter that Mr. Fawcett thanked: Mrs. Banjer, a primary school teacher in Brisbane, Australia (@Mrs_Banjer) and Mandy Barrow (@mbarrow), a primary school teacher in Kent, United Kingdom. Another score for Twitter. And you can be sure that EtherPad will be part of EDM310 next semester!
4. We all must be learning all the time, not just to set a good example for our students, but because the world is constantly changing! I have a poster in my office which says "Learning Never Ends!" As a teacher, you must also be a learner - all the time! And note that in Mandy Barrow's profile on Twitter she includes this "Still have a thirst for learning."
Now let me turn to Mr. Lamshed's Class blog.
The very first thing I saw on Mr. Lamshed's blog was Mr. Lamshed Visits the USA. This post was posted today (April 15). Tomorrow the two classes (Australia and US) will have a video conference using Skype. It will be recorded. The intention is to have it on Mr. Lamshed's Class blog soon. When it is there I will ask you to watch it.
I am learning from Twitter by using it, following leads from tweets, and examining the information in the profiles!
So I ask you ... Are you collaborating effectively (Project 6)? Are you learning about Twitter and how to use it effectively (Project 7)? Mr. Chamberlain, Mr. Fawcett and Mr. Lamshed certainly are! You can too, if you try!
Mr. Michael Fawcett (@teachernz) teaches Year 4 in Hamilton, New Zealand. He has had a class blog (Room 9) since 2005 and he also has a class wiki (9lenview).
I especially urge you to read his personal blog (What Now? What Next? So What?". In it he makes several important points (directly and indirectly):
1. We need to continually reflect on our professional practice (teaching). I hope I have started you on that path with your Professional Blog.
2. Collaboration pays off. If you follow Mr. Fawcett on Twitter (@teachernz), you will see that he frequently exchanges ideas, tips, questions and requests for help from Mr. C (@wmchamberlain) and Mr. Lamshed (@jlamshed). This is exactly what I want you to do as a teacher - collaborate with other teachers around the world, not just your school. My first efforts in Project 6 will be greatly expanded and improved upon next semester, primarily because we connected with Mr. C - and a lot of other teachers!
3. In Mr. Fawcett's post on EtherPad, he describes another innovative way for teachers (and students) to collaborate, especially on writing projects. When you become a teacher, explore the possibility of having your students interact with Mr. Fawcett's students, or another teacher and class somewhere else in the world! Read Mr. Fawcett's entire post on EtherPad. I had never heard of EtherPad until I found it on Mr. Fawcett's blog. And I found him on Twitter and he found the EtherPad discussion on Twitter. Note the very interesting ideas for using EtherPad in the classroom that these teachers, from many parts of the world, generated. You might want to follow the two participants in the EtherPad discussion on Tweeter that Mr. Fawcett thanked: Mrs. Banjer, a primary school teacher in Brisbane, Australia (@Mrs_Banjer) and Mandy Barrow (@mbarrow), a primary school teacher in Kent, United Kingdom. Another score for Twitter. And you can be sure that EtherPad will be part of EDM310 next semester!
4. We all must be learning all the time, not just to set a good example for our students, but because the world is constantly changing! I have a poster in my office which says "Learning Never Ends!" As a teacher, you must also be a learner - all the time! And note that in Mandy Barrow's profile on Twitter she includes this "Still have a thirst for learning."
Now let me turn to Mr. Lamshed's Class blog.
The very first thing I saw on Mr. Lamshed's blog was Mr. Lamshed Visits the USA. This post was posted today (April 15). Tomorrow the two classes (Australia and US) will have a video conference using Skype. It will be recorded. The intention is to have it on Mr. Lamshed's Class blog soon. When it is there I will ask you to watch it.
I am learning from Twitter by using it, following leads from tweets, and examining the information in the profiles!
So I ask you ... Are you collaborating effectively (Project 6)? Are you learning about Twitter and how to use it effectively (Project 7)? Mr. Chamberlain, Mr. Fawcett and Mr. Lamshed certainly are! You can too, if you try!
Journalists and Twitter
If you are interested you might be interested in this article and interview about how journalists can use Twitter from the blog SocialMedia.biz.
From Twitter_Tips via Twitter
From Twitter_Tips via Twitter
All Things Digital Interviews Twitter Co-Founders
All Things Digital Interviews Twitter Co-Founders. Contains a link to video of interview addressing why the Twitter founders think Twitter is growing so fast.
From Twitter_Tips
From Twitter_Tips
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Just A Reminder - Read the Comments
Have you read the comments to posts on this page? You should, especially the lengthy and wise comment of Mr. Chamberlain to the post below If You're Going to Learn Twitter You Must Practice Twitter. Read it. You should consider what he says when you are writing your own conclusions about Twitter.
Johnny Davis Wants Escape from Twitter, Tweets and Twitters
Read his article in the April 13 Vanguard.
Thanks Rachael Bradford (T11) for bringing this article to my attention.
And thanks to John Dunlop for the link!
Thanks Rachael Bradford (T11) for bringing this article to my attention.
And thanks to John Dunlop for the link!
This Week in Class
Monday All of the Following
TT
Tueday Spreadsheet Payout Table
Thur Professional Blog, Review of Remaining Tasks (also posted below)
TT
Tueday Spreadsheet Payout Table
Thur Professional Blog, Review of Remaining Tasks (also posted below)
Monday, April 13, 2009
He's Upset - About Technology
I recommend that you read and think about Throwing Spaghetti at the Wall, a recent blog post by Tim Holt on his blog Intended Consequences. Mr. Holt, Director of Educational Technology for the El Paso ISD, complains that there is too much technology being thrown at teachers, that it is unknown what curricula and what grade levels should use it and that there is no known purpose for a lot of the technology. As you evaluate Twitter, think of Mr. Holt's arguments and where they apply to Twitter and where they do not.
Thanks to Sharon_Elin for her tweet on this blog post.
Thanks to Sharon_Elin for her tweet on this blog post.
Wrapping Up the Semester
Here's a last minute check list:
1. Project 1: Personal Blog
Regular, timely posts for all assigned topics, including Part 2, special Twitter report, final course review (mandatory) and sign off. Remember that all photographs on your blog must have ALT and TITLE modifiers as specified in the instructions found on the class blog. Due no later than 5pm Friday May 1 (date change by 1 day).
2. Project 2: Presentation
Created in Google Presentation, delivered to your class, and posted on your personal blog.
3. Project 3: iGoogle Page with an RSS Feed that links to the class web site, 4 separate tabs with 6 unique gadgets under each tab. I will review all iGoogle pages for a final assessment the last day of your classe.
4. Project 4: Professional Blog This is a very important part of this class. Due no later than 5pm Thursday April 30.
5. Project 5: Survey Form (my questions plus yours) and Resulting Database If you have not done your form and database you can still do it but it will be considered late.
6. Project 6: External Professional Contact and Report of these conversations due no later than Thursday April 30. If I need your evidence for this contact, I will request it no later one day before the final exam date assigned for your class and the evidence will be required to be received by me no later than 5 pm of the exam day for your class.
7. Project 7: ACCESS Lab Vist CANCELLED and TWITTER Research, Use, Practice and Reflection SUBSTITUTED. Report must be posted to your blog as specified in separate instructions. This is a 4 week effort. If you have not started it, your procrastination will be reflected in your grade for this project!
8. Project 8: RSS Feed. See Project 3 Will be reviewed by me on your last day of class.
9. Project 9: Podcast If you did not do the podcast I will need an official medical (or other acceptable excuse) AND you will have to make arrangements no later than Thursday April 16 to make up this podcast assignment.
10. Word Processing Exam NOTE CALENDAR CHANGE Word Processing exam will be given for Mon class on April 20 and for TT classes on Tue April 21. Perfect Score Required. You have had 16 weeks to practice and study for this exam! ATTENDANCE REQUIRED
11. SpreadSheet Part 1 and Data Base Exams Absolute Reference and Concatenate). Part 1 will be given for Monday class on Monday April 20 and for TT classes on Thur April 23. ATTENDANCE REQUIRED.
12. SpreadSheet Part 2 Exam (Solving for missing elkements in the Loan formula and Payout Table). will be given on Monday April 27 for Monday night class and Tuesday April 28 for TT classes. ATTENDANCE REQUIRED
13. Foliotek. Must be completed for EDM310 and reviewed by me on Monday April 27 for Monday class and on Thur April 30 for TT classes. iGoogle page will also be reviewed at that time. Separate instructions will be distributed for Foliotek. ATTENDANCE REQUIRED
Makeup Exams
If you do not make a perfect score on the Word Processing Exam, or if you want to improve your score on the spreadsheet or database exams, you may retake them on the final exam date scheduled for your class, or, with my permission in advance, at the time of another scheduled class final exam.
1. Project 1: Personal Blog
Regular, timely posts for all assigned topics, including Part 2, special Twitter report, final course review (mandatory) and sign off. Remember that all photographs on your blog must have ALT and TITLE modifiers as specified in the instructions found on the class blog. Due no later than 5pm Friday May 1 (date change by 1 day).
2. Project 2: Presentation
Created in Google Presentation, delivered to your class, and posted on your personal blog.
3. Project 3: iGoogle Page with an RSS Feed that links to the class web site, 4 separate tabs with 6 unique gadgets under each tab. I will review all iGoogle pages for a final assessment the last day of your classe.
4. Project 4: Professional Blog This is a very important part of this class. Due no later than 5pm Thursday April 30.
5. Project 5: Survey Form (my questions plus yours) and Resulting Database If you have not done your form and database you can still do it but it will be considered late.
6. Project 6: External Professional Contact and Report of these conversations due no later than Thursday April 30. If I need your evidence for this contact, I will request it no later one day before the final exam date assigned for your class and the evidence will be required to be received by me no later than 5 pm of the exam day for your class.
7. Project 7: ACCESS Lab Vist CANCELLED and TWITTER Research, Use, Practice and Reflection SUBSTITUTED. Report must be posted to your blog as specified in separate instructions. This is a 4 week effort. If you have not started it, your procrastination will be reflected in your grade for this project!
8. Project 8: RSS Feed. See Project 3 Will be reviewed by me on your last day of class.
9. Project 9: Podcast If you did not do the podcast I will need an official medical (or other acceptable excuse) AND you will have to make arrangements no later than Thursday April 16 to make up this podcast assignment.
10. Word Processing Exam NOTE CALENDAR CHANGE Word Processing exam will be given for Mon class on April 20 and for TT classes on Tue April 21. Perfect Score Required. You have had 16 weeks to practice and study for this exam! ATTENDANCE REQUIRED
11. SpreadSheet Part 1 and Data Base Exams Absolute Reference and Concatenate). Part 1 will be given for Monday class on Monday April 20 and for TT classes on Thur April 23. ATTENDANCE REQUIRED.
12. SpreadSheet Part 2 Exam (Solving for missing elkements in the Loan formula and Payout Table). will be given on Monday April 27 for Monday night class and Tuesday April 28 for TT classes. ATTENDANCE REQUIRED
13. Foliotek. Must be completed for EDM310 and reviewed by me on Monday April 27 for Monday class and on Thur April 30 for TT classes. iGoogle page will also be reviewed at that time. Separate instructions will be distributed for Foliotek. ATTENDANCE REQUIRED
Makeup Exams
If you do not make a perfect score on the Word Processing Exam, or if you want to improve your score on the spreadsheet or database exams, you may retake them on the final exam date scheduled for your class, or, with my permission in advance, at the time of another scheduled class final exam.
Friday, April 10, 2009
Twittering Good Friday Services!
John Dunlop has found another amazing Twitter story. The Passion of Christ on Twitter from the Trinity Episcopal Church in New York.
The service is also being broadcast live over the internet.
To follow the twitter feed I would think you would follow twspassionplay but I have not been able to get the feed yet.
The service is also being broadcast live over the internet.
To follow the twitter feed I would think you would follow twspassionplay but I have not been able to get the feed yet.
Twitter_Tips
I strongly urge you to follow Twitter_Tips. I have learned much from the resources suggested by Twitter_Tips.
How To Become A Super Tweeter in Just 15 Minutes A Day with iGoogle
I strongly recommend that you read and follow the advice of Steve Rubel in How To Become A Super Tweeter in Just 15 Minutes A Day with iGoogle.
101 Insights From Twitter by Adam Singer
Adam Singer's 101 Insights From Twitter (in 140 Characters or Less) offers a lot of interesting insight about Twitter. Short, pithy conclusions or predictions about Twitter that may help as you try to evaluate Twitter on your own.
Thursday, April 9, 2009
Spreadsheet Handouts and Videos
Spreadsheet Handouts are now available in the Syllabus and Handouts section to the right.
Spreadshoot Videos are now available in the Instructional Videos section to the right.
Spreadshoot Videos are now available in the Instructional Videos section to the right.
Monday, April 6, 2009
To Learn Twitter You Must Practice Twitter - Some Suggestions
Still not up to speed on Twitter? Here are some suggestions:
1. Follow those who follow you. If, after 2 or 3 days they provide only jibberish or stuff that you are uninterested in (except things about education which you should keep even if you are not interested in it - you do not know everything about teaching yet. Just wait until you start teaching and you really know what I mean by that!, stop following them.
2. Follow your classmates, Mr. C (Wmchamberlain), Mrs Laura Walker (mrslwalker), and any others you find that are interesting.
3. Use the search function and search for topics such as educational technology.
Communicate with those who have interesting things to say. Say something about this course, or podcasts, or Twitter, or your blog assignments. Ask your followers to review your Professional blog. There are lots of areas in which others can help you!
4. Mr. C taught a course Monday April 6, 2009 for teachers at Noel Elementary School. His new twitters are bkeaton and ppolzer. Follow them. They are new to Twitter. Help each other out. Since they are teachers, they can help you out. Mary (michaelsgirl97) has already done this I now see. Great!). Share ideas with others by including #EDM310 in your tweet so that all EDM310 students (and maybe others) can easily find tweets related to this class.
5. See whether your contact for Project 6 uses Twitter. If so, follow them. If not, encourage them to use Twitter and to learn it along with you.
6. Search for #EDM310 periodically to see what other students in EDM310 are tweeting.
1. Follow those who follow you. If, after 2 or 3 days they provide only jibberish or stuff that you are uninterested in (except things about education which you should keep even if you are not interested in it - you do not know everything about teaching yet. Just wait until you start teaching and you really know what I mean by that!, stop following them.
2. Follow your classmates, Mr. C (Wmchamberlain), Mrs Laura Walker (mrslwalker), and any others you find that are interesting.
3. Use the search function and search for topics such as educational technology.
Communicate with those who have interesting things to say. Say something about this course, or podcasts, or Twitter, or your blog assignments. Ask your followers to review your Professional blog. There are lots of areas in which others can help you!
4. Mr. C taught a course Monday April 6, 2009 for teachers at Noel Elementary School. His new twitters are bkeaton and ppolzer. Follow them. They are new to Twitter. Help each other out. Since they are teachers, they can help you out. Mary (michaelsgirl97) has already done this I now see. Great!). Share ideas with others by including #EDM310 in your tweet so that all EDM310 students (and maybe others) can easily find tweets related to this class.
5. See whether your contact for Project 6 uses Twitter. If so, follow them. If not, encourage them to use Twitter and to learn it along with you.
6. Search for #EDM310 periodically to see what other students in EDM310 are tweeting.
Saturday, April 4, 2009
Top 100 Tools for the Twittering Teacher
Mrs. Walker has found another great Twitter site:Top 100 Tools for the Twittering Teacher.
If you are not following Mrs Laura Walker (mrslwalker) do so!
If you are not following Mrs Laura Walker (mrslwalker) do so!
Thursday, April 2, 2009
Mr. C is at it Again!
Mr. Chamberlain, a fifth grade teacher in Noel, Missouri, was asked why he uses blogs in his classroom. He had his students answer that question. Watch and Listen to their answers! In addition, you will see how effectively Mr. Chamberlain uses technology through out his teaching. You will learn a lot about how technology can be used by listening to his students. Also follow him on Twitter (WmChamberlain) and take advantage of all the communication techniques to be found on his blog. Follow him there as well!
British Children to Learn Twitter, Blogs and Podcasting
The Twitter Podcast (Twitter name is thepodcast) reported in Podcast #6 that British school children will be required to learn Twitter, Blogs and Podcasting. Sounds like this college course, doesn't it? Read about it in the Guardian article.
Nine Reasons for Teachers to Use Twitter
As part of my exploration of Twitter I sent a message to Crista Anderson, a fifth grade teacher in Missoula, Montana. She is one of Mr. C's group of teachers. She suggests, and I agree, that you would benefit from reading this blog post by Mrs. Laura Walker Nine great reasons for teachers to use Twitter
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Part 2 of Blog Assignments Now Available
The blog assignments for April 5 and the rest of the semester are now available by Clicking Here.
Saturday, March 28, 2009
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Twitter - John Dunlop (T2) Makes A Find
John Dunlop, a student in T2, has found an unusual use for Twitter. Read about it!
Concatenate
In class Thursday we covered combining fields in a spreadsheet using the Concatenate function. If you were not in class Thursday March 26 you should review the material on spreadsheets found in the handouts section of this blog and in the instructional videos found here.
Forms
On Tuesday we did Forms. If you were not in class Tuesday you must construct a form following the instructions to be posted on this blog later today.
ALL students (whether present or not on Tuesday) must complete all forms which they have been sent. These are to be completed by next Tuesday class time (March 31).
ALL students (whether present or not on Tuesday) must complete all forms which they have been sent. These are to be completed by next Tuesday class time (March 31).
In order to learn about Twitter and to see whether Twitter can be useful to teachers, we are going to use Twitter.
So...
1. Go to www.twitter.com and create an account
2. Follow me: winetimejs and USABaldwin (Baldwin County Campus twitter account)
3. If you are in T9, follow christinadotcom; If you are in T11 follow RachelCallahan; if you are in T2 follow newelljamie1
4. Watch the movie Twitter provides
5. Watch the movie in the class blog about Twitter. (See the post Even More About Twitter below.)
6. Find out all you can about twitter.
So...
1. Go to www.twitter.com and create an account
2. Follow me: winetimejs and USABaldwin (Baldwin County Campus twitter account)
3. If you are in T9, follow christinadotcom; If you are in T11 follow RachelCallahan; if you are in T2 follow newelljamie1
4. Watch the movie Twitter provides
5. Watch the movie in the class blog about Twitter. (See the post Even More About Twitter below.)
6. Find out all you can about twitter.
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Our Tools Will Always Change
Technology is creating new tools for teachers and students to use every day. This week I have added 4 new tools to explore and discuss that were not in the syllabus at the start of the semester: EverNote, Delicious, Twitter and Tinyurl. The tools will change even more by the time you have your own classroom.The changes in technology and our tools demands that we, as teachers, be constantly learning new things.
Attention Class: Writing With Multimedia in Action
You have heard my arguments that we now are living in a world of listeners/watchers rather than reader/writers and my insistence that the teachers of tomorrow must encourage students to "write" (produce) with multimedia. Two excellent examples of this are in the two preceding blogs. Read them. Think again about my arguments. Lee LeFever is making a living with that approach!
Social Bookmarking (Delicious) Explained in Plain English
Another Commoncraft Show by Lee LeFever about Social Networking and Delicious. This show uses teachers as an example of how Delicious works.
Twitter Explained in Plain English
A Explanation of Twitter by Lee Lefever at The Commoncraft Show. This site also has brief, simply stated explanations of Blogs, Social Networking, RSS, Wikis, Social Bookmarking, Podcasts, Web Searching and many other topics.
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Did You Fail to Share Your Midterm Reflections With Me?
Several of you who were in class Tuesday and did do the Midterm Reflections assignment failed to share it with me. Do so NOW. Share with me as a collaborator strange.john@gmail.com
Did You Miss Class Tuesday March 10?
If so, you were not alone. Nine were absent in the 9:00 class and 8 were not present at 11:00. BUT EVERYONE WAS IN ATTENDANCE AT 2:00! Thank you 2:00 Class!
If you were not in class you missed several announcements (all of which are on the class blog so read the other posts as well).
In addition, you missed the Midterm Reflection assignment. Click and download this assignment. Complete it in Google Documents. Share it with me (as a collaborator) at strange.john@gmail.com
If you were not in class you missed several announcements (all of which are on the class blog so read the other posts as well).
In addition, you missed the Midterm Reflection assignment. Click and download this assignment. Complete it in Google Documents. Share it with me (as a collaborator) at strange.john@gmail.com
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
ACCESS Lab Visit Changed to ACCESS Lab Video and Google Earth Project
Due to a variety of factors, you will not have to visit an ACCESS Lab. We will, instead, do a video which you will watch. I will do a visit to the Daphne Lab, conduct several interviews, and create an ACCESS Lab video tape. You will be expected to watch it during the time you have set aside to make a visit to an ACCESS lab. The video will be available by April 15.
If you are interested in helping me conduct the interviews, take the video, and edit the resulting tapes, please contact me. You would have an opportunity to learn some new skills!
IN ADDITION, I will be assigning you a tenth project - in Google Earth. This assignment will be discuseed and posted immediately after Spring Break.
If you are interested in helping me conduct the interviews, take the video, and edit the resulting tapes, please contact me. You would have an opportunity to learn some new skills!
IN ADDITION, I will be assigning you a tenth project - in Google Earth. This assignment will be discuseed and posted immediately after Spring Break.
Monday, March 9, 2009
Podcasts Have Started
The podcasts for this semester have started!
You will be sent an email later today explaining how to listen to your podcast NOW and the date on which it will become available in iTunes.
You should subscribe in iTunes. Tell all of your friends, neighbors, family to subscribe as well!
To subscribe in iTunes, go to the iTunes Store, then click on Podcasts, then search for author: john strange.
Listen to your podcast NOW. If you need to add links to any sites you mention (or books or anything else), email me immediately.
If there is a problem with your podcast, email me immediately.
You will be sent an email later today explaining how to listen to your podcast NOW and the date on which it will become available in iTunes.
You should subscribe in iTunes. Tell all of your friends, neighbors, family to subscribe as well!
To subscribe in iTunes, go to the iTunes Store, then click on Podcasts, then search for author: john strange.
Listen to your podcast NOW. If you need to add links to any sites you mention (or books or anything else), email me immediately.
If there is a problem with your podcast, email me immediately.
Sunday, March 8, 2009
Can't Find The Edible Schoolyard or A Night in the Global Village?
If you can't find something in iTunes, do a search in iTunes. Often podcasts are moved or reorganized. For example, The Edible Schoolyard is now in the Integrated Studies section of Edutopia. The Edible Schoolyard is at the top of the list of the Integrated Studies podcasts.
A Night in the Global Village is now in the Social and Emotional Learning section of Edutopia. Go to Edutopia, click on Social and Emotional Learning. A Night in the Global Village is at the top of the list of podcasts.
REMEMBER: If you can't find something in iTunes, do a search in iTunes. That usually works.
A Night in the Global Village is now in the Social and Emotional Learning section of Edutopia. Go to Edutopia, click on Social and Emotional Learning. A Night in the Global Village is at the top of the list of podcasts.
REMEMBER: If you can't find something in iTunes, do a search in iTunes. That usually works.
Thursday, March 5, 2009
Isn't It Amazing!
Miranda Hill found this site: CU-Online:PK-12 Ed Tech News and Resources. It is chock full of very useful information. Check it out!
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Podcast Suggestions
I have several suggestions for your podcasts.
1. Practice. The groups that practiced last year had better podcasts.
2. Introduce yourself. Don't just say your name. Add a sentence or two including the fact that you area student in the College of Education at the University of South Alabama. Identify your major and explain why you are interested in the topic for your podcast.
3. Explain everything. Many of your listeners may not be familiar with programs, techniques or technologies that you use daily. Yes, there are many who have never heard of Facebook!
4. Be conversational. Don't take turns reading presentations.
5. If you disagree with a member of your team, say so (politely) and explain why.
6. Don't be afraid to ask questions, even if you do not know the answers. Speculations (especially about the future) are quite appropriate.
7. You may use notes.
8. If your team is interviewing someone, one member must assume the responsibility of introducing the guest. Include, in the introduction, enough about the person so that listeners will have an appreciation of their position and experiences.
9. One member of your team will moderate (begin the session, identify the topic, get the self introductions underway, and wrap up the podcast when it is clear that you have reached an appropriate end to the conversation. Thank your listeners.
10. If you mention a web site, a book, a magazine article, or anything a listener might want to refer to, bring that citation with you on podcast day. If it is a URL, check to make sure it works. All of these "citations" will be included in the blog post that will accompany your podcast.
11. Relax. Have fun. The whole world may be listening!
1. Practice. The groups that practiced last year had better podcasts.
2. Introduce yourself. Don't just say your name. Add a sentence or two including the fact that you area student in the College of Education at the University of South Alabama. Identify your major and explain why you are interested in the topic for your podcast.
3. Explain everything. Many of your listeners may not be familiar with programs, techniques or technologies that you use daily. Yes, there are many who have never heard of Facebook!
4. Be conversational. Don't take turns reading presentations.
5. If you disagree with a member of your team, say so (politely) and explain why.
6. Don't be afraid to ask questions, even if you do not know the answers. Speculations (especially about the future) are quite appropriate.
7. You may use notes.
8. If your team is interviewing someone, one member must assume the responsibility of introducing the guest. Include, in the introduction, enough about the person so that listeners will have an appreciation of their position and experiences.
9. One member of your team will moderate (begin the session, identify the topic, get the self introductions underway, and wrap up the podcast when it is clear that you have reached an appropriate end to the conversation. Thank your listeners.
10. If you mention a web site, a book, a magazine article, or anything a listener might want to refer to, bring that citation with you on podcast day. If it is a URL, check to make sure it works. All of these "citations" will be included in the blog post that will accompany your podcast.
11. Relax. Have fun. The whole world may be listening!
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Incorrect gMail
My first gMail to you today had a link not to the Podcast Sign Up Sheet but rather to the Class Roster. Helen Ramsay caught my mistake and emailed me immediately. (Thanks Helen!). I have now sent you a corrected gMail which has a link to the Podcast Sign Up Sheet. The Podcast Sign Up Sheet should now be in your Google Document.
Instructions for Signing Up for Podcast Topics
Instructions:
Form a team of 2, 3 or 4 students in your class (or in another of my classes IF all of you can attend one of the recording times) Review the Podcast Topics found in the immediately preceding post. Select the ones that interest you. You have been sent an email to your gMail account with a link to the "Podcast Sign Up Sheet". You can also go to your Google Documents and you will find the Podcast Sign Up Sheet there with your Documents. It is there now since I used a different technique for publishing the spreadsheet. Instead of making it available to the world, I invited you to be a collaborator through your gMail address, This automatically places the spreadsheet in you Google Documents. In two cases (both M6) I only had USA mail accounts so those two students will have to use the link in their email and may encounter other issues.
When you have the "Podcast Sign Up Sheet" in front of you, sign up for the topic you want. Only one person from the team should sign up. List all of the team participants on the sign up sheet. The person signing up for his/her team should send me an email listing your team members AND the topic. This will protect the sign up sheet from being improperly changed.
If a topic has been taken already you will have to select another topic EXCEPT topics 30, 31 and 32. Topic 30 can be repeated with different people. Add the name of the person to a NEW row in the Topic column. Topics 31 and 32 require my approval and may be repeated if topics or suggestions are different.
Your email time to me and sign up status will determine the topic which you will have.
If you have not selected a topic by Sunday midnight I will assign you to a team and a topic.
If you have questions, email me.
Form a team of 2, 3 or 4 students in your class (or in another of my classes IF all of you can attend one of the recording times) Review the Podcast Topics found in the immediately preceding post. Select the ones that interest you. You have been sent an email to your gMail account with a link to the "Podcast Sign Up Sheet". You can also go to your Google Documents and you will find the Podcast Sign Up Sheet there with your Documents. It is there now since I used a different technique for publishing the spreadsheet. Instead of making it available to the world, I invited you to be a collaborator through your gMail address, This automatically places the spreadsheet in you Google Documents. In two cases (both M6) I only had USA mail accounts so those two students will have to use the link in their email and may encounter other issues.
When you have the "Podcast Sign Up Sheet" in front of you, sign up for the topic you want. Only one person from the team should sign up. List all of the team participants on the sign up sheet. The person signing up for his/her team should send me an email listing your team members AND the topic. This will protect the sign up sheet from being improperly changed.
If a topic has been taken already you will have to select another topic EXCEPT topics 30, 31 and 32. Topic 30 can be repeated with different people. Add the name of the person to a NEW row in the Topic column. Topics 31 and 32 require my approval and may be repeated if topics or suggestions are different.
Your email time to me and sign up status will determine the topic which you will have.
If you have not selected a topic by Sunday midnight I will assign you to a team and a topic.
If you have questions, email me.
Podcast Topics
Podcast Topics
EDM 310 – Dr. Strange
Each student will participate in the production of a 15 minute (approximate) Podcast with two or three other students. These Podcasts will be conversations among the participants covering one of the following topics:
1. My experiences with Blogging and how it could be useful to me as a teacher
2. Interesting Blogs I have located and reviewed from International Schools
3. Interesting Blogs I have located and reviewed from schools in the United States
4. A review of some of the educational support materials for Elementary Teachers found on iTunes
5. A review of some of the educational support materials for High School teachers found on iTunes
6. Pick of the Day: Source Materials for Elementary Teachers on the web
7. Pick of the Day: Source Materials for High School Teachers on the world wide web
8. Can Facebook be used as an educational tool? A discussion.
9. Can YouTube be used as an educational tube? A discussion.
10. Examining the Strange thesis that students now are listener/watchers and not reader/writers. How accurate is that claim? Can include an interview with Dr. Strange if desired.
11. Strange also argues that teachers must teach students to contribute to the development of materials that are listened to and watched. How realistic is that in the schools in which I will teach? Can include an interview with Dr. Strange if desired.
12. Alabama has begun a program to provide distant learning to high school students called ACCESS. How does it work? How useful is it likely to be?
13. Dr. Strange says he is against “burp back education.” How can it be eliminated in my classes when I begin to teach?
14. Pick of the Day: Useful internet sites for Elementary Teachers.
15. Pick of the Day: Useful internet sites for High School Teachers.
16. My classes at South: How is technology used in them?
17. My classes in the College of Education. How is technology used in them?
18. What I learned from “Shift Happens” and how it affects me as a teacher.
19. What I learned from “The Last Lecture of Randy Pausch.”
20. Can podcasts be useful in the classes that I will teach?
21. Can or is teachertube (http://www.teachertube.com) useful to teachers. Give examples.
22. Interview Dean Richard Hayes on a mutually agreed upon topic relating to education and/or educational technology (TT11 only).
23. Interview Dr. Philip Feldman (early technology adopter) about educational technology. Can include snippets of a 1988 interview of him about educational technology. Can focus on past, present or future. (TT 9 only).
24. Interview Dr. Charles Guest (Chair of Professional Studies Department) on mutually agreed upon topic. TT 2 only.
25. Our crystal ball: Speculations on the “future classroom.” Interview Dr. Strange before (or during) presentation. Emphasis should be on your ideas, however.
26. Interview of Mr. C of Nolo, MO –NOTE: planning and testing of chat audio and video capabilities (with assistance of Dr. Strange) will be required.
27. Interview Dr. Eddie Shaw about how he sees technology being introduced into the USA Department of Leadership and Teacher Education.
28. Interview with Gary Dauphin (Apple Representative) TT 9 only NOTE: planning and testing of chat audio and video capabilities (with assistance of Dr. Strange).
29. Interview with other Apple Representative - TT 9 only NOTE: planning and testing of chat audio and video capabilities (with assistance of Dr. Strange).
30. Interview with a faculty member not on this list that agrees to be interviewed during class time in the first week of March.
31. Other topics that I approve.
32. Other suggestions for your podcast that I approve.
33. Wikipedia. What are the positives and negatives of Wikipedia? Can Wikipedia be useful to students and educators? How and under what circumstances?
EDM 310 – Dr. Strange
Each student will participate in the production of a 15 minute (approximate) Podcast with two or three other students. These Podcasts will be conversations among the participants covering one of the following topics:
1. My experiences with Blogging and how it could be useful to me as a teacher
2. Interesting Blogs I have located and reviewed from International Schools
3. Interesting Blogs I have located and reviewed from schools in the United States
4. A review of some of the educational support materials for Elementary Teachers found on iTunes
5. A review of some of the educational support materials for High School teachers found on iTunes
6. Pick of the Day: Source Materials for Elementary Teachers on the web
7. Pick of the Day: Source Materials for High School Teachers on the world wide web
8. Can Facebook be used as an educational tool? A discussion.
9. Can YouTube be used as an educational tube? A discussion.
10. Examining the Strange thesis that students now are listener/watchers and not reader/writers. How accurate is that claim? Can include an interview with Dr. Strange if desired.
11. Strange also argues that teachers must teach students to contribute to the development of materials that are listened to and watched. How realistic is that in the schools in which I will teach? Can include an interview with Dr. Strange if desired.
12. Alabama has begun a program to provide distant learning to high school students called ACCESS. How does it work? How useful is it likely to be?
13. Dr. Strange says he is against “burp back education.” How can it be eliminated in my classes when I begin to teach?
14. Pick of the Day: Useful internet sites for Elementary Teachers.
15. Pick of the Day: Useful internet sites for High School Teachers.
16. My classes at South: How is technology used in them?
17. My classes in the College of Education. How is technology used in them?
18. What I learned from “Shift Happens” and how it affects me as a teacher.
19. What I learned from “The Last Lecture of Randy Pausch.”
20. Can podcasts be useful in the classes that I will teach?
21. Can or is teachertube (http://www.teachertube.com) useful to teachers. Give examples.
22. Interview Dean Richard Hayes on a mutually agreed upon topic relating to education and/or educational technology (TT11 only).
23. Interview Dr. Philip Feldman (early technology adopter) about educational technology. Can include snippets of a 1988 interview of him about educational technology. Can focus on past, present or future. (TT 9 only).
24. Interview Dr. Charles Guest (Chair of Professional Studies Department) on mutually agreed upon topic. TT 2 only.
25. Our crystal ball: Speculations on the “future classroom.” Interview Dr. Strange before (or during) presentation. Emphasis should be on your ideas, however.
26. Interview of Mr. C of Nolo, MO –NOTE: planning and testing of chat audio and video capabilities (with assistance of Dr. Strange) will be required.
27. Interview Dr. Eddie Shaw about how he sees technology being introduced into the USA Department of Leadership and Teacher Education.
28. Interview with Gary Dauphin (Apple Representative) TT 9 only NOTE: planning and testing of chat audio and video capabilities (with assistance of Dr. Strange).
29. Interview with other Apple Representative - TT 9 only NOTE: planning and testing of chat audio and video capabilities (with assistance of Dr. Strange).
30. Interview with a faculty member not on this list that agrees to be interviewed during class time in the first week of March.
31. Other topics that I approve.
32. Other suggestions for your podcast that I approve.
33. Wikipedia. What are the positives and negatives of Wikipedia? Can Wikipedia be useful to students and educators? How and under what circumstances?
Monday, February 9, 2009
Wikimetro - The Changing Face of Advertising
Miranda Hill (TT9) just emailed me to inquire about an email she received from Wikimetro.org. Others of you may have received a similar email.
From what I can gather, wikimetro.org is an intermediary for advertising on blogs. Wikimetro searches for blogs in cities over 40,000 in size and invites blog owners to participate in their advertising efforts. They also try and sell ads to local businesses , collect the advertising fees, maintain a wiki for that metro area, process credit cards for the advertising fee and deduct the 3% charged by Visa or MasterCard, keep 5% for their efforts and pass along about 92% to the blog owner IF the blog owner adds an ad to their blog for 30 days without interruption with a link to the advertiser's web site that works.
Wikimetro apparently believes that local advertising is moving from newspapers to electronic sources. That is the central belief behind Google and I think they are both correct. Who will make the advertising money as and when that happens is still to be seen. Wikimetro is hoping to move quickly and become the advertiser of choice for local communities. Their wiki will supply (they hope) enough local information to make them useful to advertisers. Since wikis depend on a wide populace to produce content, content is no longer a cost item (like reporters are today). So this is a direct attack on newspapers. If you read the Mobile Press Register you will know that it is getting smaller and smaller. The advertising is way down. Some of this is because of the economy. Much of it is because they are losing readers to electronic media. They have responded by trying to establish an electronic"version" of newspapers in Alabama (AL.com) but no one really knows how the commercial advertising market will evolve. Wikimetro.org is an experiment to find the future to local commercial advertising.
I have no objection to your participating in this effort, but not from your class blog. Start another blog for that purpose if you wish. Google also has a plan to pay you for ads on your blog. Explore that as well if you are interested. You might even make some money.
From what I can gather, wikimetro.org is an intermediary for advertising on blogs. Wikimetro searches for blogs in cities over 40,000 in size and invites blog owners to participate in their advertising efforts. They also try and sell ads to local businesses , collect the advertising fees, maintain a wiki for that metro area, process credit cards for the advertising fee and deduct the 3% charged by Visa or MasterCard, keep 5% for their efforts and pass along about 92% to the blog owner IF the blog owner adds an ad to their blog for 30 days without interruption with a link to the advertiser's web site that works.
Wikimetro apparently believes that local advertising is moving from newspapers to electronic sources. That is the central belief behind Google and I think they are both correct. Who will make the advertising money as and when that happens is still to be seen. Wikimetro is hoping to move quickly and become the advertiser of choice for local communities. Their wiki will supply (they hope) enough local information to make them useful to advertisers. Since wikis depend on a wide populace to produce content, content is no longer a cost item (like reporters are today). So this is a direct attack on newspapers. If you read the Mobile Press Register you will know that it is getting smaller and smaller. The advertising is way down. Some of this is because of the economy. Much of it is because they are losing readers to electronic media. They have responded by trying to establish an electronic"version" of newspapers in Alabama (AL.com) but no one really knows how the commercial advertising market will evolve. Wikimetro.org is an experiment to find the future to local commercial advertising.
I have no objection to your participating in this effort, but not from your class blog. Start another blog for that purpose if you wish. Google also has a plan to pay you for ads on your blog. Explore that as well if you are interested. You might even make some money.
Sunday, February 8, 2009
Are You Doing Your Blogs On Time?
As I explained in class, in the past I have not been as insistent that students not get behind in their blog posts as I am being this semester. You are adults and it should not be necessary for me to be so pushy, but it seems that some students need to be told to "run some extra laps." So how am I doing in my new approach? Here are the statistics at the end of the time for the International and Domestic blog posts:
Number of Students With Incomplete or Missing Posts
Every post is missing or incomplete - 1 student in TT9
Missing post on ALEX - 1 student in M6
Missing post on ACCESS - 1 student in M6 and 2 students in T9 TOTAL 3
Missing post on Shift Happens - 1 in M6 (actually had a post but it appears to me that the student never watched the video), 2 students in TT9 and 1 student in TT 11 TOTAL 4
Missing 1 or more 2 posts on Domestic School Blogs - 1 in M6, 3 in TT 9, 4 in TT 11 and 1 in TT 2 TOTAL 9
Missing 1 or more International Blog posts - 3 in M6, 7 in TT 9, 4 in TT 11 and 2 in TT 2 TOTAL 16 If you had trouble in finding international classrooms using blogs, see the suggestions in a previous post on this blog.
In addition, 2 blogs have far too many spelling and grammatical errors.
Conclusions: TT 2 is doing better that the other classes but TT 11 is not far behind. Keep up with your posts! Check the spelling (easy to do). Correct your grammar. The whole world is watching!
And congratulations to many of you with excellent blog posts and to those of you who are ahead in your posts. Read what your fellow students are saying. Are you doing as well (or better) than they are?
Number of Students With Incomplete or Missing Posts
Every post is missing or incomplete - 1 student in TT9
Missing post on ALEX - 1 student in M6
Missing post on ACCESS - 1 student in M6 and 2 students in T9 TOTAL 3
Missing post on Shift Happens - 1 in M6 (actually had a post but it appears to me that the student never watched the video), 2 students in TT9 and 1 student in TT 11 TOTAL 4
Missing 1 or more 2 posts on Domestic School Blogs - 1 in M6, 3 in TT 9, 4 in TT 11 and 1 in TT 2 TOTAL 9
Missing 1 or more International Blog posts - 3 in M6, 7 in TT 9, 4 in TT 11 and 2 in TT 2 TOTAL 16 If you had trouble in finding international classrooms using blogs, see the suggestions in a previous post on this blog.
In addition, 2 blogs have far too many spelling and grammatical errors.
Conclusions: TT 2 is doing better that the other classes but TT 11 is not far behind. Keep up with your posts! Check the spelling (easy to do). Correct your grammar. The whole world is watching!
And congratulations to many of you with excellent blog posts and to those of you who are ahead in your posts. Read what your fellow students are saying. Are you doing as well (or better) than they are?
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
More Project 6 Links
I have put a link to Classroom 2.0 in the Syllabus, Handouts and Links area on the right. Classroom 2.0 describes itself as the social network for those interested in ... collaborative technologies in education."
Don't Get Behind in Posts to Your Blog!
Having trouble finding international blogs? Jonas Cockson in M6 recommends a web site called Supporting Blogs. It is also listed in the Syllabus, Handouts and Links Section on the right as Blogs and Wikis. Look for the link List of Bloggers on the Supporting Blogs site.
Thank you Jonas!
Thank you Jonas!
Monday, February 2, 2009
New Requirement - But It Will Help With Project 6
Read the comment of Mr. Chamberlain in the previous post.
His suggestion is an excellent one. So...
1. Go to each of the four blogs you have written about for last week (2 domestic, 2 international).
2. If you can email the teacher. If not, add a comment to the most recent post.
3. In your email briefly tell the teacher why you visited the site, the URL for the EDM310 Class blog, the URL for your class blog, your email address. Also make any comments about the blog that you wish to make.
4. AND ask if would be possible to enter into a conversation with the teacher, other teachers at the school, or students about technology and how it can and should be used to further good educational practices. This may provide you with an excellent resource person for Project 6.
As Mr. C says in his comment, this "will also allow [your students]to meet people that may become a part of their personal learning network (PLN)....[I]n my opinion the most important lesson you can teach your students is that the internet is full of wonderful educators that would love to help ... with any education or technology issues."
His suggestion is an excellent one. So...
1. Go to each of the four blogs you have written about for last week (2 domestic, 2 international).
2. If you can email the teacher. If not, add a comment to the most recent post.
3. In your email briefly tell the teacher why you visited the site, the URL for the EDM310 Class blog, the URL for your class blog, your email address. Also make any comments about the blog that you wish to make.
4. AND ask if would be possible to enter into a conversation with the teacher, other teachers at the school, or students about technology and how it can and should be used to further good educational practices. This may provide you with an excellent resource person for Project 6.
As Mr. C says in his comment, this "will also allow [your students]to meet people that may become a part of their personal learning network (PLN)....[I]n my opinion the most important lesson you can teach your students is that the internet is full of wonderful educators that would love to help ... with any education or technology issues."
A Small World!
Mr. Wm Chamberlain of Noel, MO posted this comment to a post (only a picture) that I am about to remove from the blog.
"I found your class by backtracking a comment by Jessica White, a student in your class. I want to brag to you about her because she wrote me such a nice comment.
Please encourage your students to visit other teachers' blogs and to write comments on them. Not only will this drive traffic to their blogs, it will also allow them to meet people that may become a part of their personal learning network (PLN). Honestly, in my opinion the most important lesson you can teach your students is that the internet is full of wonderful educators that would love to help your students with any education or technology issues.
Mr. C
Wm Chamberlain
5th Grade Teacher
Noel Elementary School
Noel, Missouri"
His class blog is called Mr. C's Class Blog. Not only did Jessica locate it, so did Keith Grace who is in the M6 Class and several other students.
Thanks to Jessica for leaving a comment on Mr. C's blog and to Mr. C for tracing her down and leaving me a comment on the Class Blog. He also left a nice comment on Jessica's blog.
Take a look at his blog. Note the many ways he can be contacted. Be on the lookout for similar contact methods provided by other bloggers. How many can you add to your blog?
"I found your class by backtracking a comment by Jessica White, a student in your class. I want to brag to you about her because she wrote me such a nice comment.
Please encourage your students to visit other teachers' blogs and to write comments on them. Not only will this drive traffic to their blogs, it will also allow them to meet people that may become a part of their personal learning network (PLN). Honestly, in my opinion the most important lesson you can teach your students is that the internet is full of wonderful educators that would love to help your students with any education or technology issues.
Mr. C
Wm Chamberlain
5th Grade Teacher
Noel Elementary School
Noel, Missouri"
His class blog is called Mr. C's Class Blog. Not only did Jessica locate it, so did Keith Grace who is in the M6 Class and several other students.
Thanks to Jessica for leaving a comment on Mr. C's blog and to Mr. C for tracing her down and leaving me a comment on the Class Blog. He also left a nice comment on Jessica's blog.
Take a look at his blog. Note the many ways he can be contacted. Be on the lookout for similar contact methods provided by other bloggers. How many can you add to your blog?
Thursday, January 29, 2009
iGoogle Page Assignment and Google Blog
Your iGoogle page must have:
1. A Personal Tab with at least 4 gadgets for your personal use. One of them MUST be Google Reader. You may want Google Mail to be one of them too.
2-4 Three additional Tabs, each addressing a subject or topic that you may teach. Each tab must have at least 4 gadgets that are different from gadgets used elsewhere. You may repeat gadgets on tabs but they only count once.
Tabs must be properly named.
Due Week 6 (not April 30 as stated in Syllabus)
GOOGLE BLOG
We will work on this during Week 6. You need to nothing on your Google Blog at this point in time.
1. A Personal Tab with at least 4 gadgets for your personal use. One of them MUST be Google Reader. You may want Google Mail to be one of them too.
2-4 Three additional Tabs, each addressing a subject or topic that you may teach. Each tab must have at least 4 gadgets that are different from gadgets used elsewhere. You may repeat gadgets on tabs but they only count once.
Tabs must be properly named.
Due Week 6 (not April 30 as stated in Syllabus)
GOOGLE BLOG
We will work on this during Week 6. You need to nothing on your Google Blog at this point in time.
Put A Picture on A Blog
Use the Picture (Image) icon in the post area. Click on the icon. Choose file to select your picture. When asked, place on left and MAKE SMALL!.
Click Upload Image. Google should do the rest. If not, there may be a problem with your picture. Check with me if that happens.
The last thing you do is Publish Post.
Monday, January 26, 2009
Access Project 7 Time Availability
The time has passed during which you could submit this information and the form has been hidden from view.
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Word Processing Diagnostic
The Word Processing Diagnostic is now available in the Syllabus and Handouts section on the right.
Sunday, January 18, 2009
TT 9 Photos Now Work
For some reason, the TT 9 photos were not accessible. They now are and should work. If not, email me. We will get all of them working on Tuesday.
Friday, January 16, 2009
Photos Now Available
I finished the photos before I left school on Thursday. If you have trouble getting yours to work, email me.
Here is a suggestion: Type the URl in Word or some word processor. Check to see that it is correct. Copy it. Then paste it into Google. It's a lot easier that way given Google's behavior.
Here is a suggestion: Type the URl in Word or some word processor. Check to see that it is correct. Copy it. Then paste it into Google. It's a lot easier that way given Google's behavior.
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Student Blog Links Posted
I have posted links to all student blogs. I have not yet checked to see whether they work. Check yours. If it does not work, send me an email and I will explore the possible reasons why it does not work. We will attempt to get them all working by Thursday. MONDAY class: if yours does not work and I can't figure out why, I will call you. We can't wait two weeks to find out whether the link to your blog works or not.
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Pictures - Oops! Redo on Thursday.
I mistakenly destroyed all of the pictures I took in the TT9 and TT11 classes. In the TT2 class I have 14 pictures and 15 of you were there. I do not know whom I missed and the names will all be wrong. So we will redo pictures Thursday. Use your own picture if you want to. Otherwise I will retake them (or, in the case of TT2, check the names I have for the pictures that I have. We will make sure they load properly in class.
Sorry!
Sorry!
Monday, January 12, 2009
Creating A Blog Instructions Updated Again!
I discovered even more problems in the Creating a Blog instructions during the Monday night class.
A third corrected version has been posted and will download when you click the appropriate link under Syllabus and Handouts.
This correction is dated 1/12/09.
A third corrected version has been posted and will download when you click the appropriate link under Syllabus and Handouts.
This correction is dated 1/12/09.
Sunday, January 11, 2009
Creating A Blog Instructions Corrected
I had an error in my instructions for creating a blog. I used the same document I used last term but did not change "fall08" to "spring09" in the instructions concerning URL construction.
Thanks to Miranda Sanders and Angel Jackson.
Thanks to Miranda Sanders and Angel Jackson.
Fairhope Class Location
The Fairhope EDM310 Class meets in the Administration Building in Fairhope at 10 North Summit Street - the south-east corner of Magnolia and Summit Streets. This map of Fairhope was generated by using Google maps. I entered this address: 10 North Summit Street Fairhope AL. If you click on the image of the map and you will see a larger version. The "Pin" shows the building further south (closer to Fairhope, AL) than it is. It is really just at the corner of Magnolia St. And also note that the map indicates the highway as US 98. It is actually SCENIC 98 which breaks off of 98 just as you get to the Fairhope city limits.
In case you get lost, call me on my cell phone: 251-610-2599.
Friday, January 9, 2009
Already Established Your Google Account?
If you have read my email and established a Google account, send me an email from it! My email is strange.john@gmail.com. Or you can click on the link in the right hand column.
Thanks!
And a special thanks to those who did this without my asking!
Thanks!
And a special thanks to those who did this without my asking!
Class Roster
I have sent an email to your jaguar1 email account. In it you will find a link to the Class Roster. At the bottom left of the spreadsheet that will appear when you click on the link to the Class Roster that is in your email (not here to keep it from being used by the world)you will see 4 tabs, one for each of my classes. Each class has a designation that indicates the days and times of the class. The Tue/Thur 9:30 class is a bit different. It is called TT 9 even though it starts at 9:30. Add your telephone number and email address. If the first name I have for you is NOT the one you go by, change your name. Be sure you give me a telephone number that works! And an email address that you check regularly. NOTE HOWEVER, that as soon as I know your Gmail account THAT is the mail account I will use to contact you for this course.
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
Instructional Videos
Almost every major project is or will be explained in Instructional Videos by John H Strange. Look to the right and locate the videos that have been posted to date under this heading. Click on the appropriate video to watch it. More videos will be added on a regular basis.
You should monitor the videos that are available and make use of them as appropriate.
You should monitor the videos that are available and make use of them as appropriate.
Syllabus Now Available
The class Syllabus is now available. On the right you will find a growing list of items of interest. Look for Syllabus and Class Handouts. This is where the Syllabus and all class handouts will be available. Just click on the one you want.
Monday, January 5, 2009
Welcome!
Welcome to Dr. John Strange's EDM 310 Class Blog for the Spring 2009 term. I hope you find this site helpful and that you consult it on a regular basis. It is the source for all EDM 310 Information if you are in one of Dr. Strange's classes.
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