Google Reader Project

This week we were split into three groups to learn about different technological tools we could use in the classroom. I was in the group assigned to learn about Google Reader. The purpose of this project was for each of us to become more familiar with Google Reader, to consider how we could use Google Reader to enhance learning, and to all contribute to a presentation. Please check out the presentation here.

I think the Google Reader is a wonderful tool, and I look forward to using it in a High School English classroom. I really like the idea of having students write their own blogs (I am not sure exactly what the assignment would be yet...), and then being able to subscribe to all of them with Google Reader. My subscriptions would all be in one place; they would be organized; and they would be extremely accessible.

I have to admit my learning curve has been a little slower than I would like. I understand the superficial, easier parts of this tool, but I haven't had the chance to really explore all it has to offer. I definitely look forward to delving into Google Reader more deeply!

I contributed to our project with my reflections, some grammatical editing, and a bit of information regarding Google Reader. I also provided links to download Reader onto iPhones and Androids--it seems like so many people have smart phones now, they might as well have this wonderful application on their phones.

Post 3: Reflections on "Shift Happens" and "Vision 2011: Technology's Impact on Education"

A few significant statistics from "Shift Happens":

1. If facebook users were citizens of a country, it would be the third largest country behind (1) China and (2) India
2. facebook tops google for weekly traffic in the US
3. Youtube is the second largest search engine in the world
4. The computer in your cell phone today is a million times cheaper and a thousand times more powerful and about a hundred thousand times smaller (than the one computer at MIT in 1965)...
   

The clearest message both of these videos present is: our world is rapidly and fundamentally changing and technology is more and more important as these changes occur. We have Youtube, facebook, google, twitter, personal computers, and computers in our cell phones. Social Media is the most popular use of the internet. As an educator, it is not just helpful or ideal, but necessary, to incorporate technology into the classroom. Educators must remain up to date with technology as it evolves to prepare students for their future. Educators should teach students how to use technological tools and help the students build confidence that they can use such tools, too. The speaker in "Vision 2011" focused on using technology to connect, create content, communicate, and collaborate. For example, using google docs and blogs in classrooms help students connect, create content, communicate, and collaborate. Computers are so accessible and prevalent that we need to utilize them in lessons. Teaching students with technology will empower our students to succeed in today's tech world, and it will enable them to continue to learn and develop skills that will prepare them for their futures.

My first podcast! (click on the link)

Post 2: Blogging in Education

I love the idea of using blogging in the classroom, especially for high school English classes. Blogging is an excellent way to stimulate discussion and to encourage students to practice reading and writing.

I would like to have students author their own blogs as Reading Journals. I would require two journal entries per week. Students could reflect on what we read in class, a piece of art, a film, and/or how these things relate to one another. Especially for later grades, an exercise like this might help students think independently while investigating and observing the world around them, and then force them to put their thoughts into words. I would probably have each student comment on an entry authored by a classmate once a week.

I would like to have a class blog. I could post assignments on the blog. I also like the idea of posting hypothetical questions or images associated with questions and asking students to weigh in with their opinions. I would also like to have a section of a blog where students could post their questions or thoughts regarding whatever we are covering in class, and then other students could respond. I think this sort of collaborative learning and exchange of ideas would be fascinating and beneficial. A class blog could also be a way for parents, administrators, or other teachers to know what is going on in the course.

One of my favorite ideas for a blogging assignment came from the Emerging EdTech website: have students blog from the perspective of a character in a novel. Students could describe a day in the life of that character, or summarize a passage from the novel from that character's perspective, or write a chapter or epilogue as that character. I see this is as a great way to encourage creativity and also have students engage with character on a deeper level.

Imagine a chapter of Harry Potter from Hermione's perspective...

Post Numero Uno

Hello!

This is my first journey into the wide world of blogging. I am writing this blog for my Educational Technology class in a MAT program, and I'm pretty excited about the adventure. First, a little about me....

My name is Shannon Wood. I'm originally from Colorado, but I've been living in Portland for the past five and a half years. I love the Pacific Northwest and all it has to offer! I am interested in teaching High School English and/or Middle School Math. Clearly, my interests are kind of all over the place...

Outside of school, I like to fill my time with reading, roller derby, and hanging out with my pup. She seems even more excited about this degree than I am--now she warms my feet on the couch all day instead of waiting for me to get home from work. And I keep giving her treats. This is the life: learning new things, overcoming my fears of blogging, a nice view from my window, and a free foot warmer. Now if I could just train her to bring me coffee...