Throughout this course, I have learned a great deal about technology in the classroom. With the ever changing world, it is very important for both teachers and students to utilize new technologies as a way of reaching students. Although some of these technologies may not be practical in a classroom environment, I think the important part is that I was able to experiment and try something new. Throughout the 5 Week term, I have been exposed to many useful and cool technologies that I never knew existed.

One of the most important aspects of new technologies is its ability to expand creativity. Creativity is an essential component in a change from industrial model education to information age education. More than ever, students need to be creative, experiment, and fail. As such, this will allow them to constantly ask questions and become lifelong learners. Essentially all technologies mentioned during this course can allow students to be creative. Sites like Wordle, Xtranormal, and Weebly allow students to create and learn. Furthermore, I believe the skill-sets these technologies teach is much more important than the factual information we teach in the classroom. Having our students become creative thinkers and having them unafraid to take risks will benefit them exponentially in the job market and "the real world" (much more so than being able to list the causes of World War I).

Another very important aspect of technology is its collaborative nature. Wikis and Google Docs allow students to collaborate on works, create stuff, and learn. These can be great final projects that allow the students to have fun and learn. I also believe that collaborative learning is an essential component to constructivism. Rather than have the teacher simply tell the students what they need to know, the students decide for themselves what is important (and find the answers to their own questions). Collaboration is also important because each student has their own skill set and prior knowledge. As such, the students have the ability to bring their "forces" together to learn from each other in a successful manner.

As a teacher, I will make every effort to stay in touch with emerging technologies and use ones that I believe will benefit my students. It is my hope that through continuous experimentation, I will become a successful teacher and allow every student to reach their full potential.

The topic for this week's blog entry is Wikis. At one time or another, every person has been to a Wiki. What is a Wiki you ask? Simply put, a Wiki is a website that was developed  and edited collaboratively by a set of users. Some sites, like Wikipedia, allow any user in the world to access and change the information being displayed. However, other Wikis can be more selective and only allow an admin or registered users to make changes.

Wikis can be a great tool in the classroom.  On my Wiki, I take my students through a 3 day adventure of the Middle Ages. During this adventure, my students will watch a video about a medieval peasant, take a quiz, explore another Wiki, and do other fun stuff. In doing so, I am attempting to meet both the state technology standards (discuss the ways technology is linked to creativity and innovation) and the state Social Studies standards.

The alternate Wiki that I sent my students to is an online textbook. This online textbook shows the full value of using a Wiki in the classroom. Students can expand on the Wiki by adding pages or lengthening articles. Wikis also support discussion features so that students can discuss what they want to do with the page. Lastly, Wikis have a history button. This allows me to see all the students who made changes to a page and what type of contribution they made.It can clearly be seen that the value of a Wiki is its ability to expand knowledge and allow many students to collaborate. This can also be a fun activity to break the "every day monotony" of a classroom. My only criticism of Wikis in the classroom would be time restraints. I feel that any Wiki worth doing (that is, one of quality and allows the students to gain something from the experience) may possibly take too much time.

Ultimately, it is my hope that the collaborative effort of Wikis will allow my students (and others) to learn new information in a much easier, more creative, and much more fun way.

In a previous blog, I mentioned how useful Skype and Podcasts can be in the classroom. Add screen capture software to that list. By using Quicktime, Jing, or other free software, you can record screens and voice with the click of a button.

This software can be especially useful in case we are absent. Teachers can record and capture what we want our students to do; then the substitute can can play the video for our students. As with the other software, this can be especially useful for student refreshers (or absences). If the students need help with a particularly complex assignment or misses class, they view our videos on the web. Screen capture software can also be especially nice for student-centered learning. The students can pick topics and teach them to the class using computers. These peer-teaching assignments can then be screen recorded and posted online.

Overall, screen capture is fantastic software. Every teacher should utilize and teach this new technology to their students. As a result, education can be expanded outside of the classroom. Posting these videos on the World Wide Web can also help this information reach people all over the world.

Of all the different technologies mentioned throughout these blogs, Podcasts and Skype appear to be the best.

Podcasts can be done in both audio and video format. To create a Podcast on a Mac, simply open up Garage Band and hit record. You can also add pictures, chapters, details, and other cool things. However, if you're not one of the Apple people (twice the price, half the power), then follow this link. It tells you how to create your own free audio Podcast on Windows based PCs. The Podcast is a great tool for the classroom. One of the most noticeable uses is to record lectures. This way, both the audio file and PowerPoints can be put online for absent students. Podcasts can also be used by teachers who want to give their students supplementary material.

Another useful tool in the classroom is Skype. Skype is an online telephone network that allows users to video chat for free. As with the Podcasts, Skype can be a great tool for absent students. The students can Skype in during class time so they don't become too far behind. This can also be used by students to collaborate on projects when they are not physically in the same place. Lastly, Skype can be a great tool for connecting my classroom to the world. I can have historians, students from different countries, and countless other professionals Skype into my classroom and help the learning environment flourish.

This technology (and others) can be used to supplement teaching strategies. One very useful teaching strategy is Inquiry Based Learning. Through inquiry based learning, students ask the questions they want answered. The students then search for the answers to their own questions. As with other student-centered approaches to teaching, this is thought to be incredibly useful because the students are learning according to their own interests. As such, these types of activities can help spur lifelong learners. However, one downside to Inquiry Based Learning is time constraints. As with all student-centered teaching models, a considerable amount of classroom time must be dedicated to the assignment.

One common theme seen throughout these blog entries is the use of digital content. Sites like Google Books and Delicious have a variety of uses inside of the classroom. However, other forms of digital content may not have such overt uses.

 Sites like Cartoon Yourself and Funny Photo allow users to upload and alter photos. At first glance, these sites may seem like useless, fun time-wasters (which they are). However, it is important to recognize the creative aspect associated with sites like these. In a lecture to TED, British education expert Ken Robinson stated that in the modern world there is a type of education inflation. More people than ever before are receiving college degrees.  As such, creativity is the only real way that students can distinguish themselves in the job market. Many of the sites addressed in this blog entry accomplish that goal. Students can learn, have fun, and explore their creative side.

As with other technologies in this blog entry, Xtranormal gives students the ability to explore their creative sides. Xtranormal allows students to create a wide variety of animated videos. These videos can be educational in nature and allow students to experience a fun alternative to the normal summative assessments.

Lastly, a very useful site is Motivator. On Motivator, students can upload photos and create their own motivational posters. This can be especially useful for classroom management. At the beginning of the year, students can create posters that demonstrate class created rules. This can serve two purposes.  First, the posters consistently remind students of the class rules. Secondly, the students created these rules themselves. As such, this will hopefully allow students to become accountable and regulate each others behavior.

On the surface, all of these sites seem like fun ways to kill time. However, when used under the right circumstances, they can help the students learn.

Google Docs is a great (and free) software program that includes spreadsheets, word processors, presentations, and quiz/survey generators. At first glance, Google Docs may simply appear to be a poor man's version of Microsoft Office. However, these types of documents can be edited by anyone, anywhere. That is what makes Google Docs special; its collaborative nature. To access this software, one simply needs to go to Google and log in (or create an account). From there, Google Docs presents unlimited possibilities.

Every teacher can benefit from using Google Docs in the classroom. As stated, Google Docs is a very collaborative friendly program. Students no longer have to physically be next to each other to work on projects. Whether it is writing a paper or creating a presentation, every student with an internet connection can access the file. Furthermore, Google Docs allows me (the teacher) to see exactly who contributed to group projects (and how much effort they put forth).

Lastly, Google Docs can be used as a type of entrance or exit ticket. I can have students complete quizzes and immediately get easy to read feedback. This will allow me to quickly and easily construct and change lessons based upon the knowledge base and understanding of each class. However, I do think it is important to recognize the limits of a Google Docs exit ticket. In order for this to be successful, all students would need a computer readily available. I would argue that most school districts simply do not have access to these types of resources.  Regardless, this is still a great program and those schools with access should continually make use of it.

Every person learns differently. There are Visual, Audio, and Kinesthetic learners. It is estimated that between 40 and 60 percent of people are visual learners. Despite this, modern schools are set up in ways that allow audio learners to perform best in the classroom. As teachers, it is essential that new technologies are utilized in ways that reach visual learners and allow for them to succeed.

One way that visual learning can be applied in the classroom is through brainstorm/concept mappers. To the left is a picture of bubbl.us, Bubbl allows users to create concept maps that help to better understand ideas. As a teacher, I can help my students learn by doing as little work as possible. The students will simply tell me what to write down and then they can have me group the ideas together that are connected. The fun and interactive nature of concept mapping will also encourage more students to participate. Other useful tools for concept mapping are Inspiration, Kidspiration, and Mywebspiration.

Another useful tool for visual learners are word clouds (as seen below). Word cloud generators allow the user to input words or phrases and then create a cloud of words based on what was input. The most useful aspect of word clouds are that the most common words input in the generator are the bigger ones. This will allow students to more easily remember important concepts, words, or ideas. The word cloud below was done using Wordle. However, sites like Tagxedo allow users to make even more complex looking word clouds.

The goal of every teacher should be a desire to have every student learn. By utilizing these technologies, visual learners can now be better suited for classroom success.

What are standards? Its quite simple really. Standards are a set of topics that every teacher is required to teach to their class. For example, as a 9th grade World History teacher, the State of Ohio requires that I teach my students about important Enlightenment thinkers, ideas, and its subsequent affect on later generations. However, little known are the technology standards that teachers are also required to teach. The International Society for Technology in Education, or ISTE, is the professional body that steers technology education in the US. By browsing the ISTE website, you can see many cool things, such as teacher and administrator standards. The website also includes several useful resources that teachers can use. To be even more specific, the Ohio Department of Education website includes the specific technology standards for teaching in the State of Ohio.

All of this information is very valuable to teachers. Previously, I had not known that I was required to teach technology standards in my classroom. As such, this new knowledge has made me more aware of what information I must know and teach to my students. Just like the content standards in their field, teachers should acquaint themselves with the technology standards in their state. It is important to remember that as teachers we are teaching our students the skills they need to succeed in life, not just the skills to pass our course.

Possibly even more important than the technology standards (which, lets be honest, most teachers probably don't actively teach) are the school technology rules. One of the most important technology rules is the school's Acceptable Use Policy, or AUP. The AUP is a document that states what children are allowed to access while using the school's internet connection. Oftentimes, both students and parents sign the AUP document stating that they understand and will abide by these rules. I am sure that most teachers will have a pretty thorough understanding of what activities are acceptable and which activities are not. However, it is still very important for teachers to familiarize themselves with the AUP in case a "gray area" arises. Children need to learn how to acceptably use technology, and as teachers we are the facilitators of that.

Lastly, and most important of all, are emerging technologies (well, emerging to anyone who has lived under a rock for the last 4 years...or North Korea). What is the point of having technology standards and netiquette if children do not keep up with the continually evolving world of technology? As of right now, several not so emerging technologies are used by millions of people everyday. Some of these technologies include social networking sites such as Twitter and Delicious. Other technologies include Podcast (a downloadable, non-streaming visual or audio episode) and Google Docs (Google's free equivalent to Microsoft Office).

These new technologies are very important in today's world. Student's must know how to use these technologies because they are what is "in." There is a sort of "technological arms race" in which everyone must constantly be up to date with new technologies. A student who does not stay up to date with these technological innovations cannot possibly expect to make themselves marketable in the job world. As such, it is important that we as teachers stay in tune with emerging technologies for several reasons. As stated, we need to know what technologies are important to teach students for the job market. It is also important to stay ahead of technology that can be used to exploit the educational system (such as free-translation, or some other website that allows students to cheat). Lastly, knowing about emerging technologies will allow our students to learn. As stated in a previous blog, I did my field experience at a school that gave every student an IPod with course related apps. Although not every school may have these means, it is important that teachers know about emerging technologies to help our students learn. Sites lite Twitter or Facebook can allow teachers and students to (appropriately) communicate during off hours. If the student has a question, then the teacher can easily be contacted for help. Furthermore, things such as Youtube videos and Podcasts can be used by teachers to supplement their material and further student understanding. Understanding the popular technologies can also allow teachers to build their lessons around student interests. For example, instead of a research paper, students can be assigned a "Wikipedia Project" where students critique the Wikipedia entry on a given topic. Ultimately, what matters is student learning. There is no reason that teachers and students should not be aware of the many resources they have available at their fingertips to help facilitate that learning. 

Technology is consistently changing. As such, so are the rules and standards. As teachers, it is vital that we can stay on top of emerging technologies and better reach our students.

On the other hand, maybe new technologies aren't such a good thing.

Whether it be youtube,google, wikipedia, or something totally different, the use of digital content is a must for any modern educator. As technology evolves, so does the way children learn. As a result of these new technologies, teachers now have access to many resources that they never did before.

One particularly useful website for educators is Google. Google has a wide array of uses. Aside from its normal use as a search engine for websites and images; Google Scholar can provide scholarly, peer-reviewed articles while Google Books provides both full length versions of books as well as samples for books that are still copyrighted. Another particularly good website for books is Project Gutenberg. Project Gutenberg is a massive database of out of copyright books in both Ebook and audio book format. Websites like these can be used by teachers in many ways. Most noticeably, these websites are fantastic for helping students conduct research. With just a quick search and click, students will have hundred of articles or books in a matter of seconds. These sites can also be used to demonstrate to students the difference between acceptable and unacceptable sources (scholarly versus something less credible). Websites like Google and Project Gutenberg make the acquisition of knowledge infinitely easier. Hopefully this ease  will allow students to enjoy learning and spur a lifelong interest in gaining new information.


Some sites, such as Delicious, allow for people to compile and share a massive list of their favorite links. In doing so, educators can better share their knowledge and "tricks" with each other, with the end resulting in a successful learning experience for the students. One such example is power point palooza. By cruising other people's Delicious accounts, I came across this fantastic website.Power point palooza allows you to find power points on the subject of your choice. As such, I can integrate aspects of these power points into my lectures or simply use the whole thing. As a professor once said to me, "education is about stealing the best material you can find in order to help the students learn." In order to better educate the new generation of Americans, educators must be sure to embrace and use these new and emerging technologies.

In today's ever-changing world, children and young adults are more tech savvy than ever before. Dubbed "The Net Generation," it is increasingly important that educators implement new technologies into the classroom as a way to better reach this new type of student.

Furthermore, the use of technology in the classroom can be an essential tool in increasing learning. With computers and other new technologies, it is now possible for more students than ever to succeed. Previously, students sat in their chairs, listened to lecture, wrote notes, and prepared for tests. Now, students can participate in audio, visual, and hands-on learning. This process will allow them to find the learning style that best suits their abilities.

However, there is still a very fine line between technology's ability to supplement learning and its ability to hinder it. One such example that comes to mind is a 12th grade AP U.S. Government class that I observed during my field experience. Every student was given an IPod that contained several government-related apps. Although this can be a useful tool in allowing students to learn the material, this same technology can also hurt the student's ability to learn the necessary information. How can we teach our students by utilizing technology without creating an over-reliance on it? Will those government students ever actually learn the information on those apps? Or will they simply assume that all the information they need is a button click away?

Lastly, and possibly the most important aspect of using technology in the classroom is its impact on creativity. In today's world, more children than ever are graduating from high school and obtaining college degrees. As such, a type of educational inflation has occurred in which a college degree is no longer as meaningful as it once was. By using technology as a way to both learn and hone their creative sides, students will be able to develop skills that allow them to adequately compete in the job market.