ACCESS: Distance Learning

The ACCESS (Alabama Connecting Classrooms, Educators, and Students Statewide) program began on November 1, 2004. This program was created by Gov. Bob Riley in order to give all Alabama students, who attended public high schools, an equal learning environment. It allows students to take courses over the web, and involves distance learning. Some public schools do not have access to the resources or teachers to provide certain classes; so this provides an opportunity for students to take classes online.

This is a great program for Alabama high school students. It gives them opportunities that they might not have especially if they live in a small, rural area. For example, if a student wants to take a foreign language, such as Chinese, then they can simply take it online. Location or lack of resources are not a factor. Any high school student can be involved in this program no matter what part of the state he/she is from. My only complaint is that I wish that this was opened to elementary/middle school students as well.
Click here to view the ACCESS website.

ALEX....

Alex.......Alabama Learning Exchange. This program has been developed by the Alabama Department of Education. It provides resources such as web material, lesson plans, and interactive activities. This collection of resources is open to teachers as well as the public. Teachers can use it to gather materials for the classroom. This program makes it possible for educational information and ideas to be shared in the state of Alabama.

To view ALEX's website Click here.

I think this is a great website that will be very useful for the classroom. As a teacher, I will be able to use this to create lesson plans, and plan activities. It even has educational podcasts that can be incorporated in class. It also provides parents an opportunity to view the resources on this website.

Kaia...

It is so amazing how this three year old has captured so many hearts. I think it is wonderful that Kaia's dad is allowing the world to see his daughter's photos. I'm sure he never dreamed how far this would reach others. Click here to view Kaia's blog.
This all started when Kaia's father,Jabiz Raisdana, uploaded pictures that she had taken up onto her blog. Mr. Chamberlain's class started commenting on her blog, and her dad took notice of this. In response, her dad skyped the class. His class ended up making a voice thread for Kaia so that she could hear feedback about her pictures.
It's so cool how not only is the father teaching her to value the beauty in everything, but he is allowing her to connect with the rest of the world.
I do realize after reading his blog, Intrepid Teacher, that he has some concerns about sharing his daughter with the world. I can definitely see why he would be on the cautious side. Unfortunately, there are are some weirdos on the internet who are dangerous. Overall, I think that the pro's outweigh the con's. Yes, there are some dangers, but think of all the good that has come out of this experience.
What's really cool about this is that I have a friend who works in Qatar. The pictures that Kaia took described the place so much better than words could. I'm so glad that her father took a chance, and allowed us to see a glimpse of Kaia's life.

New Media Literacies: NML Staff/Project

The New Media Literacy is a project started by MIT. Their Comparative Media Studies program is involved with putting this activity together. They focus on ways to prepare students for 21st century technology. This program wants to educate people on technology and provide information on how to participate with the media.
Click here to visit the NML website

In their video, they talk about how you need certain skills to be able to use technology successfully. I think it's important to possess all of the skills that they talk about. Some of these that I have include: judgment, negotiation, and multitasking. The only way to gain more skills is to continue learning all of the technology out there. Be open to new ideas, and never stop learning!

The Networked Student: Connectivisim

I thought this was a really cool way to show how students can use technology for learning. Students can take control over the learning process by researching, and accessing the tools through technology. It also gives them an opportunity to connect with others. Anyone can contribute new ideas, and information that will be useful to the world.

One point that the video made was the fact that the student didn't need a textbook. I can't tell you how many classes I've taken that wanted me to buy a book, and then we didn't even end up using it. That's so frustrating because the student loses so much money on textbooks. Most college students are not rich, and can not afford to buy things that are of no use. I was so grateful when Dr. Strange said that we didn't need a book for this course!!! Why waste money on textbooks when all the information you need can be found on the computer?

Click here to watch Ms. Drexler's video.

I want to be like the teacher on the video! Boring lectures and textbooks are not the answer for students. We need to be showing our students how to use the technology available so that they can function in the 21st century.

"This is how we dream"....

As I watched Mr. Miller's videos, it occurred to me that I rarely read books off the shelves anymore. Whenever I want to read or find something; I simply just use my computer. TaDa.....everything is right there within seconds. It's been a while since I went, and researched for information at the library.

Another issue that he brought up; is the fact that using this technology allows people to view resources at a faster rate. It takes years for books to be published. By the time a book is published the information is more than likely outdated, and doesn't apply anymore. Using technology allows ideas and information to infiltrate the world more quickly then waiting on a book.
Click here to watch Mr. Miller's videos.

Before this class, there is no way I would be ready to write with multimedia. By taking this course, I feel that it is possible for me to do so. I've learned a lot of useful ways to incorporate technology in the classroom. Of course this is a learning process; whatever I don't know I'm always willing to learn. I definitely think the students will be able to do this. They just need guidance, and someone willing to teach them.

Use of ipods in the classroom

About five years ago, Duke University decided to give an ipod to all incoming freshman. The students used it to record lectures, educational shows, etc. It's really cool because you can go back, and listen to a particular lecture when needed for studying. Some of the engineer majors used the ipods for learning about sound waves.
Click here for more info about Duke University using ipods in the classroom.

I think it's a great idea to use ipods in the classroom. It allows students to record discussions, and collaborate with others. If a student misses a class then he/she can easily pull the topics discussed in school that day up on the ipod.
Click here for an useful website about ipod use in the classroom.

iTunes University

The iTunes University is a great tool for finding podcasts/vodcasts in educational purposes. It allows students to download college lectures and other materials to their ipod. I think it's amazing how you can download all this information on iTunes, and then pull it back up whenever you need it. It's especially great if your on-the-go a lot so that you can just play it on your ipod or computer wherever your at. I've had iTunes for a long time, and never realized that this feature was available until I took this course.
Click here to find more information about iTunes University.

It's going to be interesting how iTunes University plays a role in the future. Does this mean that we won't even have to attend classes in 10, 20, 50 years? I recently heard that South Alabama is going to convert their whole master's program online. Everything you learn will be online through podcasts, blogging etc. It's crazy, technology is taking over the world!!!

Alice Christie/Webquests

Dr. Alice Christie's website is a great source for teachers who want to find a way to incorporate technology in the classroom. I looked at several topics,and found that webquests really got my attention. I have never heard of webquests up until now, and thought it was a great idea to use in school. The teacher gets to set up a scenario, and the children use internet sources to complete the task. For example, I found one webquest in which aliens have come down to Earth, and are asking questions about our planet. The children research internet databases to find the answers to the questions. It is a very creative way to get the children interested in learning.

I would definitely like to use webquests in my classroom. It allows students to be actively involved with technology, and it keeps them from getting bored. Another great thing about webquest is that it encourages critical thinking. It's not memorization or "burp back" learning. This is important because the "burp back" method will not help students learn how to solve problems or think for themselves. Webquests provide a great way for children to explore concepts, and have fun doing so.