Debbie's Blog

Moving my Blog

2010-07-11T05:15:00.000-07:00

Sorry it has been so long since my last blog post, life seemed to get in the way for a bit. For all my followers, thank you for your patience. I wanted to let you know that I decided to move my blog....you can now find me at www.debbietharp.com. I hope that you continue to follow me and I will do my best to start (and keep) posting!

Digital Footprints

2010-04-26T06:12:00.000-07:00

Digital Footprints are so important to our 21st century students as well as ourselves. We need to be aware that they exist, they are easy to find, and they never go away. As an educator, I feel that we should be teaching our students how important it actually is, and reminding them often. Here is a cute website from Kidsmart that has lots of great information about digital footprints.

This has touched home for me recently as my daughter, who is 12 years old today, came to me and wants to have her own Facebook page. I personally, have no problem with it. She is very responsible and for the most part, knows right from wrong. In all my research with technology in education, I feel it is a good time to teach her how to manage and create a digital footprint that will represent her. She is young enough where I can keep an eye on what she is doing without her getting "angry or upset" that I am logging into her account, but old enough to understand the rules that I will set for her journey with social networking. Her father, on the other hand, does not feel the same. He thinks she is too young to have a Facebook profile. My question to you all is.....What do you think??

Here is a blog post form the Innovative Educator Blog, that I actually stumbled across this morning that made me think. Teaching Kids to Manage their Digital Footprint - 140 Character Conference Panel Discussion, There is also a video on the post about asking yourself two important questions before you start with social networking.

I look forward to your thoughts and suggestions.

Internet Saftey

2010-03-30T10:28:00.000-07:00

Well it has been a while since my last post. I have been caught up in my new class and family things over the last few weeks. Anyway, I am hoping to get back on track with my postings.

Here is a website that I found about internet safety and cyberbulling. It is called the Professor Garfield Foundation . I have posted about this topic before because I feel that it is something that is very important and something that should be taught to our 21st century students.

Professor Garfield has videos for students to watch, lessons to teach along side the videos, quizzes for students to take and games where students can test their internet knowledge.

Give it a try and let me know what you think!

Google Word Clouds

2010-03-13T07:35:00.000-08:00

I came across a post on the Free Technology for Teachers blog about Google Web Clouds. It was tips on how to take information from your Google spreadsheet and turn it into Web Clouds. I for one did not even know that Google had a Web Cloud Gadget. I thought this information was something worth sharing because we are all using Web Clouds and Google Docs in our schools. If you are using a Google Doc spreadsheet this gadget could save a step from having to move our information over into Wordle.

Take a look and let me know your thoughts? Will this be a useful tool for your school, classroom or library?

Cute Twitter Follow-up

2010-03-08T07:01:00.000-08:00

I came across this today on on of the blogs, The Innovative Educator, that I follow on my Google Reader and I thoughts it was a nice follow-up to my earlier Twitter post.

As I said before, I am still learning and not sure if Twitter will work for me, but here is a cute comic that poses a good argument for how and what the Twitter technology can do for us.

Another Piece of Technology- Twitter

2010-03-05T03:20:00.000-08:00

Twitter is a form of social networking, a bit like Facebook and My Space. It is another one of those sites where people post what they are doing, all day, every day. I personally do not "Tweet" ......YET!

I set up a Twitter account a while back, but never really used it. I was unsure of how to use it and it seemed like so much information coming at me all at once. So being overwhelmed and a bit intimidated, I just put it aside. I went back to my Facebook world and was happy there, networking with my family, friends, and co-workers in my happy, familiar environment.

Well last week, during the Wind Storm of 2010, we had lost power for several days. The only source of technology that I had was my iPhone. I was lucky, I could see my e-mails, get onto the internet, play games, and make phone calls without the need for my computer.

During the past three months or so, my husband was using Twitter and really enjoying it. I still had no real interest. But over the several days with no power, my husband was getting his "tweets" and I decided to take another look and see what all the excitement was. He mentioned that it was a fast, up to the minute way to get information about what was going on (as well as what his contacts & friends were doing) during this time.

I re-visited my Twitter account on line and have added the Twitter App to my iPhone. I only have a few people that I am currently following, trying to take it slow, but it is still very overwhelming. I do not know all the ins and outs of Twitter, but I can see how it can be nice to get up to date, minute by minute information, like the weather from WMUR or breaking world news from CNN.

I am going to keep trying this new technology and see how it goes. After a few months I will let you all know my thoughts and how I am doing. I am hoping to become educated so I can teach my students the correct way to use Twitter.

Do you "Tweet?" What are your thoughts on Twitter?

Oh....on a side note...I actually won a contest on Twitter yesterday with O'Neil Cine mas. It is a weekly contest and you have to be one of the first people to answer a question correctly. What a great idea and a good incentive for me to keep working on my "Tweets!"

Chocolate Cheerios Prize Pack

2010-03-03T10:15:00.000-08:00

I have been following a blog that is all about bargains called Luv a Bargain. It is a great blog that is put together by a woman, Sherri who lives in New Hampshire. Sherri posts about sales, coupons, bargains and even free samples and giveaways. She even gives you tips on ho to save the most money while you are shopping. I added her to my Google RSS reader and I get updates on her postings on a daily basis so if there is something that is time sensitive I can respond as soon as possible.

Today she posted about a Chocolate Cheerios Prize pack. The link to the posting is here so you can enter the free giveaway. If you are interested, you can also follow her blog and save yourself some money too!

Enjoy!!

Wow...Technology Eye opener

2010-02-28T12:20:00.000-08:00

I have been without power and internet service since Thursday night, due to the W ind Storm 2010 in New Hampshire....Wow what an eye opener. I have been trying to catch up on my blog and blog comments for class, Google Reader, banking, online news, local news, e-mails and everything else that I need to take care of since our power and internet service is back.

Technology is everywhere, home, office, school, library, stores, etc. For three days I have been disconnected from the world. It was amazing to see how much I rely on technology in my everyday life.

With that in mind, think about what we are telling our students when we tell them that they can not be "connected" all day, Monday though Friday because they are in school. What are we teaching them? How are they going to learn, share, discuss, grow their minds and knowledge if they can not be connected?

It was fun to play games and hang out with my family without the distraction of the computer, but after a day or so I realized I was not getting any world or local news, was not getting my homework completed, was not talking with family members that are out of town and was not learning for others that I share information with.

During this storm, I have learned that technology is a wonderful thing. We need to teach our students how they can use technology and web 2.0 to learn from each other.

For those still without power, I hope you can get connected soon. For me, I am glad it is back and I am glad I am learning, discussing, creating, and growing again. I missed being connected!!

One College Students View on Technology in the Classroom

2010-02-23T10:44:00.000-08:00

In my graduate class, we had a lot of discussions about technology in the classroom. I came across this video today, posted on one of the blogs that I follow, The Innovative Educator, and I thought it was to interesting not to share.

This comes from the point of view of a college student. I do feel it is a bit extreme, but interesting none the less. I would love to hear your thoughts!!

Class Reflection

2010-02-21T13:23:00.000-08:00

Well, I know that I did my class reflection in my podcast, but I just wanted to take a minute to talk about what this class has done for me. Teaching and Learning in a Networked Classroom has opened up my eyes to the wonderful world of Web 2.0. I have learned about so many exciting and interesting tools that can be shared with our students.

I have created my own Wiki and Blog. I made a podcast and set up my Google Reader. I learned about the world of social bookmarking and was able to create a Diigo account and share my bookmarks with other interesting people who had tons of information to share with me.

I met several great students and a teacher who was willing to open herself up and share everything that she knows about web 2.0 with us.

This was my first attempt at going back to graduate school, and I am happy to say that I picked a great class. I was very nervous taking the steps needed to go back to school, but I am so glad that I have. I am going to continue using my blog and adding posts weekly (that was one of my New Years Goals!) and I hope that my fellow classmates do the same. I would love to continue to receive feedback and comments from everyone. I hope you all continue to use your blogs as well. They have been full of great information and I have learned so much from everyone.

Thank you all for opening my eyes and my world to the wonders of Web 2.0. I wish you all the best on your college journey and glad that we will all be working together to bring the technology to our students.

Week 10- Are you Flatter Yet?

2010-02-18T07:01:00.000-08:00

To answer the question of the week, "Teaching in a Networked World, Are you flatter yet?" I have to say YES!!

My graduate class, Teaching and Learning in a Networked Classroom, has really opened up a new world of technology to me. I have not been in a college classroom in about 15 years, and the world of education has changed so much since then.

When I went to college there was no technology in the classroom. All my classes were lecture based, some used hands-on projects and some did not. I went to a small, private college and we had one computer lab. In the lab, there were only about 12 computers and most had those orange orange monitors and needed the DOS commands to run. Am I dating myself here??

Now I look at my children and I can not believe all that they can do with a computer, video games, cell phones, and iPods. They can look up the answer to almost any question on the web and then use that information to make documents, spreadsheets, movies, and even podcasts all by themselves.

The world of technology and Web 2.0 is changing so fast. Technology in Education is changing too, but not at the same pace. I think that we as educators need to change and bring technology into our schools. We can not be afraid to learn and change along with our students.

I know that I really enjoy having information at my fingertips. I love being able to use Google or Ask.com and get the answers to questions, immediately. If I feel that way, can you imagine what are students are feeling? This is the only thing they know. They thrive in this fast environment and are not familiar with anything else. I feel that technology in education will not only bring our students back to school, it will promote a since of excitement and engagement that we are currently loosing with our students. We can not be afraid to grow and learn along side our students.

Am I flatter? I would say yes! I think that technology in Education is wonderful. Students are learning by doing, sharing, collaborating, discussing, critical thinking, and expressing their thoughts and feelings. There is so much information available everywhere. In the 21st Century, we are all learning together, even teachers, and I for one think it is great!

Technology in School-Michael's project

2010-02-16T12:45:00.000-08:00

I wanted to share a podcast/video that my step-son created for his Language Arts class. He is currently in the 6th grade in New Hampshire. He was assigned a "book report" and was told that they had two months to read a book and report on it for his class. They could do the book report in any form they wanted; pen & paper, posters, dioramas, etc. He decided to use technology and create a Lego movie/podcast.

He first read the book, The Fire in the Hills by Donna Jo Napoli, and then created the Lego designs based on the book. He took all the pictures himself, used Final Cut Express, Garage Band, and iMovie and with a little help from his dad created this movie. He then uploaded it to You Tube and Facebook to share with our family as well.

He could of just wrote a paper or done a poster but he wanted to do this. He decided to bring technology into his classroom. What does this say about technology in school, about our 21st Century learners?

I think he did a great job. I am excited to hear how his teacher feels!

Week 10- Blog of Choice- Luv a Bargain

2010-02-15T07:11:00.000-08:00

Here is a blog that I think you will all enjoy. I am not sure how I came across it, I am sure it was on one of my many adventures with Web 2.0 and going from link to link while reading blog entries. The blog is called Luv a Bargain.

The woman who put this all together,Sherri, is amazing. She is from Londonderry NH and has all the ins and outs of the discounted offers that are going on in NH. She has put so much time and research into all her postings. Not only does she have a discount, coupon or bargain to share with every post, she actually has tips and steps to take while cashing out to save you as much as possible per item.

I have been following Luv a Bargain for about a week now. I have printed all sorts of coupons and have sent away for lots of free offers too.

I hope that you enjoy it and get as much savings out of it as I have!

My First Podcast- My Class Reflection

2010-02-12T03:22:00.000-08:00

Well it is done, my first podcast.

I can not post this without first thanking Keith, my husband, for all his help. It was not an easy assignment for me and he was such a big help. As I mentioned before, it still gave me the feeling of getting up in front of a classroom of peers and having to present my assignment. That was something that was never "my thing." Yes, I know, I love to talk to my students and even have no issues talking with parents. It should not be different, right?

I do think it is a great tool for schools. I hope that the more I use it the easier it will become. Anyway, enough stalling.....Here it is, Enjoy.

The "I-Generation"

2010-02-10T07:45:00.000-08:00

I was reading USA Today in the library at my school today and I came across two interesting articles about children and technology. The first article, I- Generation Kids, has a lot of information and opinions about children and how they learn today. It talks about how children exposed to technology at a young age and how savvy they become.

The second, Dumbest Generation, is based on a college professors opinion of students today. He feels that technology is limiting the knowledge base of our students. He thinks that we need to pull away from technology and bring students back to the basic ideas of education.

It was interesting to see and read about both sides of the technology debate in the same edition of the newspaper. I feel that there should be a balance in education. Early on, students need to understand the basic foundations of education but as they progress, technology should be introduced and taught. By the time a student reaches high school, they should have a balance of both social and technology based learning. Changes are needed in education to make learning more exciting and hands-on for the students of the 21st century.

Here is a video satire on technology in the classroom that I came across. What does this say about our students today?

How do you feel?

Week 9- Thoughts on Podcasting

2010-02-07T11:10:00.000-08:00

Well, I just finished recording my podcast for class and I am in the process of working with my husband to pull it all together so I can post it here for all of you to enjoy. He is helping me use Final Cut Express because I have never used it before. I was going to try to edit with Garage Band, but he said this was easier. Only time will tell!

I waited until I made my own podcast before I blogged about my thoughts so I would be better educated on the subject. First off, I can start by saying that this was my first experience with my own podcast. I have listened to several before, but never made one myself.

I can see how podcasting can be used with classroom students today. It is a very simple piece of technology and something very hands on and tangible. I think it can be used in all classes and at all different age levels. Some examples I can think of are: in English/reading class to do book discussions or reviews or used to practice spelling words. It can be used by science teachers to have students record lab findings or foreign language teachers to record the words and/or phrases or to just her the dialect in the language the student is learning.

Podcasts can also be used in a general way for students to record group projects in class or parts of classroom discussions that can be shared with other students on a blog or Wiki so the information can be referred back to later. You can even use a podcast to pass on information to a student who might of missed the classroom discussion or lesson.

All that being said, to be honest with you, it was a hard assignment for me because I was unsure about podcasting. Don't get me wrong I love to talk to my students in class and even talk with their parents, but getting me up in-front of a group of peers and doing a classroom presentation is not my thing. It never has been. I know that with a podcast I am not up "in-front" of my peers, but it had the same uneasy feeling for me. I am not even doing a video podcast and I still got that feeling.

I know that the more I do podcasts the more comfortable I will become with them. I am sure the same is true for my students and I will keep that in mind when I use podcasting as an assignment.

Internet Safety with Phineas & Ferb!

2010-02-05T07:10:00.000-08:00

I was watching TV with my children last night and we came across a public service announcement that was so cute, and full of great information. I just had to share it with you. We were watching Phineas & Ferb, one of my favorite cartoons from the Disney Channel and after the show they played this.......

After it ran through the first time, I was so taken by the great information, we played it again ( the beauty of Comcast DVR), stopping to discuss the tips that were shared. My 11 year old, 6th grader understood and had discussed the importance of internet safety and cyberbullying in her computer class last term, but my 9 year old, 3rd grader, had never discussed internet safety. Having it explained to children by one of today's popular cartoon characters was wonderful. Both of my children asked some questions and walked away understanding how important internet safety actually is!!

I hope that you can use this to either share with students, family members or just enjoy it yourselves.

Week 9- Blog of Choice- The Ning

2010-02-03T06:46:00.000-08:00

During my Teaching & Learning in the Networked Classroom graduate class I have learned a lot about Web 2.0 that I did not know before. I have learned about blogging, social bookmarking, Wikis, and now a Ning.

A Ning is another social network on the web. It is a great way to touch base with other professionals that have the same interests as you. I have found that the Ning network hosts lots of different Ning websites, from education, sports, entertainment, and even causes.

Since starting this class, I have become a member of a few Ning's. As I took some time to look around the websites I noticed that there is a lot of good information posted on the Ning. People are sharing new ideas and old ones. There are lots of discussion forums, events, blog postings, and notes. It is easy to become a member and you create your profile once and it carries over to all the Ning's on the network.

Some of the Ning's that I recently signed up to follow are 21st Century Teacher-Librarians , Classroom 2.0 , TLNing: Teacher Librarian Community, and YALSA: Young Adult Library Services Association. There are lots of other Nings, I just have not had the time to go through them all.

Check some out today!!

Webinar Reflection: Cell Phone Technology in Schools

2010-02-02T06:08:00.000-08:00

Well, I decided not to wait for the Google Docs webinar because I noticed that it was next week, Wednesday February 10th, and at 2pm which is not always the best time for me.

I decided to listen in on a webinar on Cell Phone use in schools from Classroom 2.o. If you have followed any of my blogs, you might of noticed that Cell Phones in schools is something that effects me, my school and also something that I have blogged about before.

This was my first webinar, and I was very impressed with all the information that it provided. The speaker, Liz Kolb, had lots of information and actually showed both sides of having cell phones in the classroom. She started with a survey from students that showed that the average age that children in the United States get their first cell phone is age 9. It also stated that by grade 7, about 90% of all students have cell phones.

I think that my favorite quote from her can relate to all technology, is that "students today learn anywhere, anytime, any place, and at any pace. They are Free Agent learners that can learn anywhere, not just in a traditional classroom."

A few benefits of using cell phone technology in the classroom is that it is low cost, students have them already, they can go from school to home and vice versa unlike computers and technology that have to stay in school, students can have access to the technology wherever and whenever they need it, and students today know how to use this technology.

As I am sure most of you are thinking, yes, it is proven that several students use a cell phone to cheat in classes. A group of students said that 26% of students will use a cell phone to cheat on tests and quizzes, but as it was stated, even without cell phones, the students who cheat will cheat with or without technology.

One school that was part of her study set specific rules and guidelines for the use of cell phones. The students were so excited to be involved in this study that they followed the rules with little or no abuse reported. The five basic rules were: 1. Phones need to be on vibrate at all times, 2. Phones are kept in the front of the classroom unless it is being used for a lesson, 3. Messages and media must be used for lessons at all times during school hours, 4. Referencing someone in class must have approval before posting or publishing, and 5. A permission sheet must be created and signed by all students & parents before use.

There are several uses for cell phone technology in a classroom setting, including but not limited to polls, reporting, blogging, web searches, Google, recordings, podcasting, e-books & e-readers, oral exams, notes, assignment tracking, text message alerts from school administration, and many more.

One thing that was stressed throughout the webinar was that any school that is going to try using cell phone technology in the classroom, needs to start with specific rules and guidelines in place. Make the students aware and accountable for the rules right from the start and they will step up to the challenge. Students are not aware that the digital footprint they are leaving on the web is with them forever. We need to teach them what is appropriate and ethical use.

For more information on cell phone technology in school you can visit www.cellularlearning.org or watch the webinar.

Google Docs Webinar

2010-01-31T11:19:00.000-08:00

I just came across this Google webinar and figured I would post it here in case anyone was interested. I know that some of my blog followers from my Teaching & Learning class need to do a webinar, including myself, before the end of the class and this one sounds like something that we can really use in the classroom.

If you are follwing me, and not in my class, I still think that this would be useful. I know it is geared to Google Docs for education, but I am sure that it can be applied to anything. I have started using Google Docs more and more for my school and personal use. It is great, easy to use, easy to share, and you do not need to purchase any software to run it.

The blog that it was posted on is Free Technology for Teachers, which I have linked here as well because it is a great blog and it has lots of really good, useful, and FREE technology for teachers (and anyone else too!).

Enjoy the rest of your weekend!

Week 7-Reflection of Will Richardson Article

2010-01-28T06:53:00.000-08:00

The World Without Walls article by Will Richardson is really amazing. There are several pieces of this article that hit home for me as far as technology in education today. Here are a few I would like to share in my reflection.

When Will states " For educators and the schools in which they teach, the challenges of this moment are significant. Our ability to learn whatever we want, whenever we want, from whomever we want is rendering the linear, age-grouped, teacher-guided curriculum less and less relevant" totally makes sense. The students today are connected to a world of technology. They have knowledge at their fingertips at all times. They can learn from each other and their personal experience right from the safety and comforts of their bedrooms.

I still think that there has to be a balance between web connections and personal ones. Students need to know how to communicate with a "real" person as well as on the computer, but we as educators need to show them how to make that balance work. We can teach them the underlying information they need to begin a journey of shared learning. We can give the students a foundation to build a network of shared classroom learning that will keep them engaged and excited about the subject matter. This will help them to see how to use the information and how to apply information into "their world."

I totally think that his statement about educators today and what we must do puts it all into perspective. "We must engage with these new technologies and their potential to expand our own understanding and methods in this vastly different landscape. We must know for ourselves how to create, grow, and navigate these collaborative spaces in safe, effective, and ethical ways. And we must be able to model those shifts for our students and counsel them effectively when they run across problems with these tools." Our 21st century learners will become more engaged and excited about learning if we use technology and model technology that they are excited about. I think that we need to show our students that we understand and respect how they learn. I think that the students are ready to make this change. Are we?

Texting in Schools

2010-01-26T14:39:00.000-08:00

I know that if any of you work in a school like mine, cell phones and texting is not allowed during school hours. I am in a HS and we do not even allow our students to use their cell phones between classes.

That being said, I know and enforce the school wide rules, but I also understand where the students are coming from. Several teachers say " we never had phones in school other than the office or a pay phone and we survived" but we were not the same type of student as the students are today. These kids are use to having technology and having responses immediately. Is it wrong? Who knows. My rules in the library are a bit more lax then in the rest of the building, they can not talk on their phones but if they are texting or using it as a technology tool, as long as they are not disruptive, and we can not hear any audio, they can keep it out. Is that right? Again who knows but they are engaged and usually talking about an assignment that they need help with.

I have come across a few articles in favor of students and texting that I thought I would share. The first is called txting=good 4 kds? and another is Phone texting 'helps pupils to spell'. I think that there could be something interesting here. I am not sure if I totally agree with the "helping students to spell" thing as I am a poor speller, but if it can be used as a tool to help our students and maybe improve on our students spelling, then I say go for it!

Here is a video on the 21st century learner and technology that will really make you think. It is amazing and so true. I hope it has the same effect on you as it did me.

Why are educators afraid of bringing technology into the classroom? Think of how engaged and excited we can make the students of the 21st Century. Learning can be fun!! I think that it is up to us to make it happen. Are you willing to make the changes? I know that I am.

Week 7-Reflection of an Educational Wiki

2010-01-25T09:50:00.000-08:00

Wow, can you believe that it is week 7 already......

I started to look at Wikis and blogs when I started in this class. To be totally honest, it was really something that I only accessed occasionally, if at all, before this class. Now I can not wait to look at my Google Reader and R SS feeds to see who is sharing what. I have read about so much, and learned so much over the last seven weeks, it is really amazing. I am adding things to my Diigo every day!

Our blog assignment for this week is to look at some educational wikis and comment and share one that we found interesting.

The Wiki that I would like to share is called Tools for Search. I came across this Wiki during this class at some point while I was off, lost in the computer world. I believe it was started by a librarian for her students and teachers so they would have several search engines in one spot. It is a simple wiki, but it has lots of great information. I often have students stopping into the library looking for online resources for whatever they are working on and they have no idea how to get started, other than Google. Our library does have an information page built into our online catalog that has links to our online databases and several good sites to get information from, but sometimes the students and I still need something more. This wiki has been something that I have used several times since I have come across it and my students seem to like it as well.

I hope it is something that you find it useful too.

Week 6- Chapter 8 Thoughts

2010-01-22T15:32:00.000-08:00

It was great to read in chapter 8 of our class text book, Web 2.0 new tools, new schools, all the ways that assessments can be done using web 2.0 technologies. I know that in speaking with teachers in my school about technology in the classroom, some of the biggest concerns that teachers have is how to assess what the students have learned.

I think that some teachers feel that the traditional tests are the only way to see what students have retained from the class lessons, but in fact if the students can apply the knowledge that they have learned into a project based assignment or a classroom assignment like a wiki or a blog, the teacher should be able to see that the student not only understands the subject matter being taught, but can apply the subject matter to something tangible.

I myself, do not teach students in the same way as a classroom teacher, so my assessments of what we have gone over in the library are more hands on assessments. I am able to see if the students understand what we talk about by actually seeing them find a book, encyclopedia or periodical that they need for the assignment they are working on. I can see if they can actually use a online data base, the online catalog, scanners, printers etc.

I am not sure how many teachers are actually willing to change the way they are done. Today, for example, we were finishing up finals and there were several teachers that had printed term papers, printed journals, tests and even Scantron answer keys. I find that interesting because my building has 1:1 technology. Doesn't that mean tests, papers, answer keys & journals can be done online or on their laptops with no paper?? What about a blog or Wiki instead of paper journal entries?

Just my thoughts, what are yours??

Week 6- Project Based Learning

2010-01-20T06:40:00.000-08:00

I enjoyed reading about Project Based Learning and watching the videos about how it is being used in education today. I feel that this approach to learning works well with the technology piece of education.

I know that when I was a student I really enjoyed doing projects in class and to be honest, that was the stuff that I remember most about my early education. Some of the information that was just delivered as a lecture, especially in subjects that were "not my thing", I retained for the time needed for testing, but was lost over time.

It was mentioned in the readings, it is hard for teachers to let go of their lecture based classes, and let the students take control of their education. I think that teachers can still establish classroom structure and rules, but within those guidelines, students in a project based learning environment, have the freedom to explore and dive into learning. As long as they continue to meet the goals and benchmarks of the class, they have put their learning to use in a practical way that they can relate to.

Getting our students involved and engaged in their education will make them better learners. With blogging, wikis, Skype and other web 2.0 based technologies, students today can learn from other students and professionals all over the world. They can take that technology to the next level. The hands-on approach has helped students feel that what they are learning is important, and relevant to their everyday lives.

Keeping students excited and engaged in learning is what we, as educators, are hoping to accomplish. The skills learned and excitement about ongoing learning can be taken with them to reach their goals in secondary education as well as in the workplace.

Week 5- Constructivism vs. Connectivism

2010-01-15T10:22:00.000-08:00

The theory of Connectivism was developed by George Siemens. It takes several learning theories and mashes them together to create a new learning theory for the 21st Century Learner. I like that he uses the connected technology based student and the hands on social student together in this theory. He feels that our connections with technology, people, networks and the world around us create the learning environment of your students.

The Theory of Constructivism, created by Piaget, has been taught to educators for years. It states that all learning is constructed. It is based on the ideas that we learn from experience and being active within our learning.

I think that both theories of education are used in today's learning. I feel that you need balance. You need the foundation of basic knowledge and understanding of the principles that make what you are learning about possible. That can be done in the earlier grades with rote learning and memorization. These skills will help to set the basis of knowledge. Then as the students gains knowledge, study skills, and a solid foundation, teachers can build on that. We can then add more advanced research, working with others, using technology, like blogging, wiki's, Skye calls, web based research and whatever other technology needed expand and challenge the students in a way that will keep them engaged and excited about learning in the 21st Century.

That excitement will then carry with them to college and/or their work environment. It will also help them to understand that learning is ongoing, even after they leave school. We learn from others, whether in personal contacts with people or with web based technology, every day. Learning never stops and the more we share what we know with others, the more we can grow as individuals and a community.

Podcasting

2010-01-13T08:43:00.000-08:00

It seems like forever since my last post. I am trying to do at least two posts a week, one of my goals for the New Year, so since I have not finished my reading for this weeks homework assignment blog, I decided to just write about podcasting for this blog.

I have never done my own podcast. I have watched several, but never tried to make one myself. It is on my mind because it is an assignment for my T&L in the Networked Classroom class. It is not for a few weeks, but I tend to be a planner and also a person who likes to get things done and behind me. I am a bit nervous about this assignment, so I thought that talking about it and getting some opinions and other thoughts might help to get me started and more comfortable with the assignment.

I found a video that I thought that I would share with you......

I have been looking on the web, watching several podcasts, and talking with my husband for tips, as he has done several podcasts before. Here is a blog from Free Technology for Teachers called Creating Podcasts from Soup to Nuts that has the same video as above as well as lots of great podcasting information. I will be sure to share my podcast on my blog once it is completed. Wish me luck!!

PS. I will be sure to get my reading assignment done and my next blog post up soon...thanks for reading.

New Technology- Google Wave

2010-01-08T10:07:00.000-08:00

I have been going back and forth with what my next post was going to be about. I have found a few things that I wanted to share, but I decided on the new Google Wave because I think that it is really cool and I wanted to be one of the first to help introduce this new Web 2.0 tool.

Here is a video from Google with their introduction of the Wave and how it is going to work. It is very long, but worth taking a look.

After watching the video, I was very interested in Google Wave. All I could think about was all the ways that students, as well as everyone else, can actually use this tool. It combines all the good things about e-mail, blogging, wiki's, and more all in one place. Students would be able to use the Wave for homework or even classwork and when they are logged into the Wave they can actually share information & communicate live with other classmates and teachers. How cool is that!!

Here is another shorter clip about Wave too.... There are several more videos on You Tube so take a look.

I am currently waiting for a e-mail from Google telling me that I get to be one of their test people for the Wave. If selected I can invite friends to use it with me. We get to try all the features before it is made public, we just have to report any issues we find.

If you are interested in giving the Wave a try, just let me know. If I get the invite from Google, I will be sure to add you so we can try it together.

New Web 2.0 technology....new Google tools........so very cool

Week 5- Blog of Choice- E-Readers

2010-01-05T15:18:00.000-08:00

In my Blog of Choice this week I decided that I would love to explore feelings on a different technology tool that is all over the news currently.....The E-Book Reader.

This has been something that I have been exploring for some time and when I came across these two articles, A Library without Books, and So What about Books, I decided to ask....how do you feel?

As a person who loves to read and loves the library, I must start by saying that I LOVE books. I love the way that books feel, smell, and look. I can not get enough of books. I spend my work day in the library everyday and love to go to my town library or Barnes & Noble to just hang out after a long day at work or on weekends.

That being said, I have done some looking into e-readers. At first, I was dead set against them. I wanted nothing to do with them and figured the rest of the world would feel the same, right?? Who does not love a book? Then a friend of mine got the Kindle and let me hold it and play around with it.

That's when my change began to happen. Yes, at first I was a bit confused as to why anyone would want this thin electronic e-book machine over an actual book. It was expensive, did not feel or smell the same, and after purchasing the e-reader you still had to purchase books. But the more time I spent, the more I started to understand. It was nice to have several books with me at the same time, I could read a magazines and newspapers too. They were all there with me in one thin easy to carry "e-book". But what about the costs? What was I thinking? What will this mean for libraries and books in the future?

Again went back to my computer and started looking around. Well yes the e-reader, no matter what brand you choose, was expensive. But the more I explored I found that there were lots & lots of free books available and most current best sellers were less than $10.00 a book.

Here are a few of the articles that I found recently in my search that might help if you are looking to decide what is right for you. E-Reader Cheat Sheet; Kindle vs Nook vs Sony; Kindle Vs Nook.

In the end, I decided it was worth giving an e-reader a try and I choose the Nook. I went back to Barnes & Noble with my husband, excited and just in time to get one for Christmas, to find that they are currently back-ordered. What is another two months right?

While I am waiting, I did download the Barnes & Noble e-reader to my Mac and my I Phone. I have received some free sample books, but can not wait to actually try the Nook. I will be sure to let you all know what my thoughts are after a few months with the Nook.

BUT... should I have waited just a bit longer? I just heard that Apple is releasing the "Apple Tablet" in 2010. Well I guess we all know how fast technology is changing, how long do you wait?

Social Bookmarking- Revisited

2010-01-03T15:48:00.000-08:00

As you can all see, I am really enjoying the blogging. I seem to find myself thinking about what my next post will be, even as I finish typing my current post. I never would have imagined that I would enjoy blogging as much as I do. I even helped my 11 year old daughter set up her own blog this weekend and my son is next in line!!

Anyway, I mentioned before that I would post my feelings on Diigo after my vacation was over and as I sit here tonight at 7p and think about everything that I should be getting ready for school tomorrow, I figured I would write my blog instead.

I took some time to look at Diigo over the last week and I did just that. Here is a link to my Diigo, Debbie's Diigo, so you can take a look. As I began, I was having trouble figuring out how it would be used in my everyday life and then I came across two different times where it would of been very useful if I had used it.

The first time was actually a time when my daughter was on You Tube and looking for gymnastics videos. She could not seem to find one that she had seen before and she really wanted to show it to me. It made me think that she could use a Diigo. If she had saved all her favorites and tagged them, then they would be there when she wanted to share them with me, her dad, friends, and her coach.

The second time I found that Diigo would of been useful this weekend was when I was using my laptop and reading blogs and found some interesting articles and sites. I saved a few to my Diigo, but missed a few as well. When I went back to my desktop to work, I was looking for a site that I had seen earlier, and it was one that I did not save to the Diigo.

What a bummer!!! I could not find the site. I looked everywhere and realized that if I had saved it to my Diigo I would of had it on my desktop as well as my laptop. Even as I write this, I have not found the website, so now I am going to have to go back into my laptop and pull it from there and add it to my Diigo.

So my feelings on the Diigo have changed. I think that it will be useful to me. As I become more familiar with it, I know that I will use it often. I also see how it would help my own children, as well as my students, not only with pleasure web searches and fun stuff, but with keeping their school projects and research organized and all in one place.

Again, I have to thank my class for introducing me to this useful web tool. It was something that I never even knew was available until this class. It is really amazing how much web 2.0 has to offer.

If you have not given Diigo a try I recommend it. Let me know what you think!!

Welcoming 2010

2010-01-01T15:58:00.000-08:00

I was thinking about my first post for the New Year. I celebrated the New Year at a family wedding last night in Cohasset MA. What a beautiful town and a beautiful place to have a wedding. The reception was held at The Red Lion Inn in Cohasett. I have never been there, but hope to return again someday.

I was also thinking about my resolutions for 2010 and while I was thinking about that, and catching up on some blogs I came across a great article about not making New Years Resolutions, but instead set New Years Goals. I really like this idea. If you are anything like me, or like most people, we start out with great intentions, but by February we all forget about the resolutions and go on with life as it was before.

So on that note, I am going to give it a try. I am going to put together a list of goals for myself personally and professionally for 2010. I will let you all know how it goes. I am hoping that setting goals will work better for me this year than resolutions did in the past. I know that one goal for me will be to continue with my blog posts even after my Teaching and Learning class is over!

I hope that everyone has a wonderful 2010! Happy New Year.

Texting and Technology as Educational Tools

2009-12-28T16:34:00.000-08:00

I was catching up on some of the blogs that I listed in my Google Reader and I came across an article that I found interesting. All the talking about technology in schools and how we as educators are not using the web to its full educational potential and then I see an article about texting in schools.

I know that for many of you as well as myself, cell phones are not allowed in school. If they are allowed they must be turned off or on vibrate during school hours. One thing is for sure, none of the students are suppose to be talking or texting during school hours, right??

Well check out this blog post from The Innovative Educator. It actually talks about using texting and cell phones to communicate with students, parents, other teachers, and using a cell phone as a tool to access the Internet when a computer is not available.

It also had a link to another great blog, Leading by Example, Transforming Education for the 21st Century. This was a great blog that had lots of ways that technology can be used in the classroom. It talks about a group of administrators that got together for a conference. The administrators that attended used Wikis, Google Spreadsheets, Twitter Polls, blogs, Google Docs, and even Flickr to help them better understand how technology can change a regular classroom lecture into an interactive exciting classroom experience.

It really made me think. WOW...are we as educators limiting our students??

I am beginning to believe that with some rules & prior education there is no limit to the amount of technology that we can introduce to our students. We need to start to teach our students that cell phones, computers, and all technology are not just fun, used for socializing, or gaming, but actually can be used as tools for learning and education. I think that if we can bring our schools into the 21st Century of learning, our students will be excited, more involved, and engaged in learning. It will bring education to a whole new level.

The more I read and learn about technology, the more excited I get about the future of education.

Week 4- Social Bookmarking

2009-12-24T12:39:00.000-08:00

Let me start by saying that Social Bookmarking is all new to me. It is something that I have never done before. Actually to be totally honest, it is something that I never heard of until this class.

We were told that we could either use Diigo or Delicious to setup our social bookmarking site. After watching the videos on the class Wiki, I decided to use Diigo. Getting started was very easy. Diigo walks you through setting up your account and then the show a "welcome" video to help you get your feet on the ground. I then set the link on the class page and I was good to move forward and try Diigo.

I was not sure how to start. I added my businesses, Champion Photo & Orchard Point Studios websites to my account. I used tags and labeled the websites. I then added another education website to my account and tagged that one too.

Now my bookmarking has begin. At this early start, I have mixed feelings on Social bookmarking. I think that it is interesting how you can add sticky notes or comments to postings. I like how you can keep things orginized for future use. I also think that it is cool that it is web based so my bookmarks are always available to me, no matter what computer I am on, I just log into Diggo. But on the other side, I am not sure what it will do for me. I read that it is used as a way to connect with other people that have the same interests as me or that are in the same profession as me. I also read that you can have friends and see their bookmarked sites so you can share information with each other.

I guess that at this point, all I can say is only time will tell. Over this week vacation from school (Yippee) I plan to dive in and see what I can make of it. I feel like the best way for me to learn is to try it myself, so I am going to do just that. If there is anyone reading this that has any good tips or ways for me to get started please post a comment and let me know. I would love some insight and help with social bookmarking.

I will be sure to give you an update as I get more educated with Diigo. Wish me luck.......

Happy Holidays!

2009-12-22T17:23:00.000-08:00

I just wanted to take a minute to wish everyone a Happy Holiday Season.

I recently learned how to post a video to my blog. While I was looking at some blogs tonight, I found this video montage of Christmas lights on Wired.com I thought I would share it all with you.

I hope you enjoy it. Merry Christmas & Happy 2010!!

Technology/ Blogging tips

2009-12-21T11:12:00.000-08:00

As you can tell, I am actually enjoying blogging. It is something that I have never done before this class, but now that I have started, I am really enjoying.

I was reading some blogs at work today, and came stumbled across a website and blog called Teach & Learn. Today they have a post about technology and Resolutions for 2010. This post is really great and has lots of wonderful links to different blogs.

There are several links about blogging. I found the post called “Can Blogging Make You Happier” very interesting, especially because of my new love for blogging. I also enjoyed the post called “Blogging is a Marathon and Not A Sprint” This post talks about taking your time while blogging often, if that makes since. It even mentions having peers guest speak on your blog....what a great idea!! I have actually added the Weblogbetter.com to my Google reader so I can to go back through for that blog for older posts to help with my blogging.

There are also several good links for different educational blogs too. Resolutions for 2010 has lots of great technology and education information in one place. Take a look.....

Week 4- Google Reader

2009-12-20T07:36:00.000-08:00

We were asked to start a Google Reader last week. It was something that I have never done before, before but I do have to say that I am so glad that it was introduced to us! I am now using it every day and have even set up igoogle as my homepage when I log into Firefox. This helps me to get all my blog and RSS updates right away.

For anyone that has not tried it, I totally recommend it. It has folders that you can keep your blogs organized by topics, or whatever works for you. It lets you know when someone makes a new post and then you can share, comment, etc. right from there or log into the blog right there too.

It is a great tool that I think I will use for a long time. Give it a try!!

iPhone Changing Education

2009-12-18T13:25:00.000-08:00

Here is an interesting article, How the iPhone Could Reboot Education, that I stumbled upon, from WIRED magazine. It just shows another interesting way that technology is being used in Secondary Education. I have an iPhone myself, and LOVE IT!!!! I could not imagine having anything else.

I just figured I would share it with you all. Happy Reading!

Week 3- A Portal to Media Literacy

2009-12-16T16:16:00.000-08:00

For one of the week three assignments we watched the video, A Portal to Media Literacy, by Michael Wesch.

This video was about Web 2.0 and how to bring technology into the classroom. Michael Wesch has found a way to include technology in his college classes even with a lecture hall of over 200 students. It was very impressive. I found it very interesting, but it did bring up a lot of questions for me.

He started with the statement: "If these walls could talk...what would they say?" and asked students to talk about what they do within a typical classroom setting, even while the lecture is going on. Some of the results included texting, using Facebook, Twitter, and e-mail. Students even spoke about purchasing text books, but never opening them because they can get the same information on the web. He had the students put together a video, which I am sure you have all seen at some point called, A Vision of K-12 Students Today. I attached the link in case you have not watched it yet.

I work with high school students and I totally see them doing everything but school work throughout the day, especially because they have technology at their fingertips with the MacBooks.

I also went the the Wiki for the Michael Wesch's classroom and was able to take a look at all the students work and contributions to the class. It was very impressive how he allows over 200 students to manipulate the Wiki and the final outcome is amazing. His students seem to be learning first hand from teachers, professionals, and other students. They are using the information they have already, information they are learining in class, and information from others and applying it to the lessons and concepts being discussed. For the most part they are all engaged and excited about learning in this manner.

I am wondering how much technology will be useful in the K-12 settings and how much is too much?? Can we give our students access to technology within the classroom and expect them to use them for education? Do they even know how to use technology as a learning tool? At what level should that be taught?

I do believe that technology in the schools is necessary. I feel that students need a balance between core skills and information which need pen, paper, memorization and basic old school learning and technology. Students can not work with a computer and websites if they can not read.

On that same idea, students need to be prepared for the world outside the school which will include technology. When they are ready to go into the work world, our students not only need to read, write, and be able to do mathematics, but they also need to be able to use a computer and technology to get them the information they need to excel in whatever career path they choose. How can a school find the right balance?

I am going to leave with the quote that Michael Wesch used, which stuck with me as I am writing this blog and reading others.....

"Nobody is as smart as everybody!" Kevin Kelly

Week 3- Shifting Ground

2009-12-11T08:25:00.000-08:00

Hello all.....all I can say is WOW!! I just finished reading the article for this week's assignment, Shifting Ground. Chris Lehmann, author or the article and principal of the Science Leadership Academy in Philadelphia PA, has taken technology in his school to a new level.

Right from the beginning when he states " by blocking and banning many of the tools and Web sites that form the cornerstone of teenagers' experiences, educators deny themselves access to the conversations that students are having about how to use these tools intelligently, ethically, and well." made me start to think. (19)

I work in a school that has 1:1 technology. Windham HS is the first school in the state with this technology. The biggest complaints we hear about having the laptops are the amount of Web sites and tools that are currently blocked. Some of the Web sites that are currently blocked are social networking sites like Facebook , and My Space; several web mail services like Yahoo Mail or Google Mai l which have chat and text components; and other sites that might have content that is not appropriate in a school setting. Just a side note, students in the building were set up with mail accounts through the school servers. That way they can send and receive mail from teachers anytime, even while they are in the building.

In speaking with the staff in the building, there are a lot of mixed feelings on the topic. Several of the staff feel that blocking web sites and tools is for the best and as the students learn to use and behave in an appropriate manner they will make more sites available, only time will tell.

I feel that the students should have access to technology, tools and Web sites and taught the correct ways to use it. I think that teachers still need to still teach the fundamentals of the subject areas they are teaching, but also need to include the new technology available in their lessons. We have lots of technology available to the students and staff, including 2nd generation Smart Boards in all of the classrooms, data projectors in all classrooms, digital cameras, Flip movie cameras , and all students, teachers, faculty & staff having Apple Laptop Computers.

I am just amazed at the amount of technology that has been integrated into the curriculum at the Science Leadership Academy. I am excited about the future of our schools, students and technology. I can not wait to see where we will be in the next year? five years? Up to this point, we have no data support the pros and cons with this being our first year open and introducing laptops. Like I said before, only time will tell.

What are your thoughts??

Week 2- Thoughts

2009-12-09T16:31:00.000-08:00

Well here is my second post for week two, my thoughts for the course.

I was very nervous when I decided to go back to college. I knew that I wanted to get my Masters degree in Library Media Services, it is what I love doing. I have been dragging my feet for a while now, but knew that I had to just take that leap, and I am so glad that I decided to start with this class.

I am actually amazed at all I have learned about technology education so far. Not only have I learned about how to start my own Blog, Wiki, Skype, and Google Reader, I have learned that I have so much more to learn about the Web 2.0 and how to use all this technology.

As the class moves forward, I find myself more and more excited about what we are going to cover next. I am enjoying the hands-on approach to the class as well as the suggested readings and the video tutorials.

One of the most important things that I have learned so far is that we teachers can not be afraid to change our typical lesson plans and bring technology into our classrooms and schools. We can learn how to use technology along with our students and help to prepare them for a world of technology once they are outside the classroom. I am excited for the change in my life and to be a part of this change in education.

Week Two- Chapter One

2009-12-07T07:34:00.000-08:00

Well as I finish up with reading Chapter One of the Web 2.0 book, I am starting to realize that I have a lot to learn. I have a computer at home and a computer at work, which I use one or both every day, but that way that I use it for myself and my students now seems so limited.

In reading this chapter and watching the podcasts, I am excited to move forward with this class and learn about tools that can help me and the the students at Windham HS get the best use out of their computers.

I am very involved with the booster club for my daughters gymnastics team. We have been having issues over the last few years with trying to "go green" and print less notices but making sure that the parents get the correct and most up to date information available via their e-mail accounts. Sometimes things get discussed and changed but all of the parents do not receive the same e-mail. This year I started a Google Group for the Spectrum Booster Club and that seems to be working for the parents who have signed onto it. I am wondering now, if a Wiki might be a better way to get the parents the proper information. The bonus with Google Groups, is that all members can still post, but it keeps a record of all the postings and e-mails that are being sent without deleting anything. I am not sure if Wiki keeps all the information once something is changed by a member of the group. If anyone can answer that for me I would love some feedback. I would also appreciate if anyone has another alternative that they think would work for my group, I would be open to suggestions available to us.

One last note, I found the Google reader information on pages 210-212 to be very interesting. I just recently installed the Google reader to my Google Account because a group recommended it me, but had not even tried to use it yet. I am looking forward to moving forward with Google Reader information over week three to see if I actually have it set it up correctly.

Have a great Week!

Week One

2009-12-03T14:07:00.001-08:00

Well I know that we were not required to do a entry for the blog this week, but I have never done this before so I decided to jump in and give it a try.

I am actually very excited that I was able to get this blog started as well as linking my Wiki page to the blog without too much trouble. I am really looking forward to learning more about that Web 2.0 has to offer and how I can use it to help myself and the students in our school become better learners.

I would love any comments and feedback from anyone & everyone in the class so that I can get a better understanding of how things work. As I mentioned before, other than my personal experiences and my work experiences, this is all new to me.

Teaching & Learning in a Networked Classroom

2009-12-02T08:11:00.000-08:00

This is my first experience with my own blog. I have read and followed several blogs so I am excited to give this a try.