I am glad this quarter has finally come to an end. I really enjoyed learning from all of you guys. I can honestly say that this course has provided me with a lot of knowledge in which I can actually use. The technologies discussed were both relevant to my teaching and to my personal learning. For example, I learned of a phenomenal book mark called del.icio.us in which I can save all the articles and websites I view. This is better than the paper trail I have been collecting since I started this program. I enjoyed blogging and will continue to do so because, even if no one else sees my blogs, it helps me reflect on meaningful events in my life and in the classroom. I have introduced a few of my students to blogging and they love it. I guess the most meaningful experience I gained from this class is that these new emerging technologies are becoming more teacher friendly than ever. They allow teachers to use constructivist strategies for teaching and learning such as collaboration and active engagement. All of which can be done through software such as wikis, blogs, game simulations, and more.
Forgive me, but I have to share the following news with you guys because I never heard of this technology before. A few weeks ago we discussed ways in which schools can ensure that students are using the Internet effectively. Well, last weekend I worked Saturday school at one of our local high schools and the students had to go into the computer lab to work on one of the assigned learning websites such as Compasslearning. The lab was huge so I was not able to see what all the students were doing at once. However, a media specialist came in and informed me that I could use the software installed on the teacher's computer called SynchronEyes to view everyone's computer screen at once. I was excited about this new technology because it enabled me to monitor the browsing and activities of each student. It also enabled me to send a chat or a message to anyone who needed help or was off task. I happened to find a student using My Space and I was able to zone in on only her computer and sent her a direct message telling her to get back to one of the learning sites she was supposed to be on. She was shocked that I could do this and immediately went back to work. The software includes other features; the teacher can take pictures of the webpage being viewed by students and offer assistance to anyone that may be struggling. All this is done in a discreet manner without upsetting the entire lab.
I have enjoyed chatting and reading the blogs of all of you. I wish you luck in the rest of your courses and any future endeavors. May we be be virtual classmates again or meet at a residency!
Best regards,
Denise
Saturday, November 24, 2007
Sunday, November 18, 2007
Week 11 Reflections
All I can say is whewwww! This has been a challenging week for me as I have tried to juggle course assignments for my two classes, work, and unexpected family visitors. I am glad to be finished with the 10 page academic paper which is due today. Initially, I loved the idea of having to do a 10 page paper, but as I gathered all my articles and other resources together and tried to synthesize the information, I found it challenging to get it all in 10 pages. I constantly had to go back and delete some information while making sure my paragraphs flowed logically. I am not sure if I was successful at this because my eyes became a little blurry after 4:30 a.m.
I regret that I did not get the chance to chat with any of you this week. I am sure you were just as busy as I was trying to complete your papers.
I loved our discussion on gaming and simulations this week. I was so inspired after reading the assigned readings, that I had to change one of my topics to include gaming and its implications in K-12 classrooms. I hope Dr. Green doesn't mind that simulation gaming was not in my original outline and realize that I was driven by enthusiasm to take it upon myself to change one of my topics. I also learned a lot from some of the simulation and gaming websites you guys posted. I bookmarked several that I found relative to my teaching. Thanks a lot!
Well, only one week remains. I look forward to chatting with you all and reading and responding to your postings.
Denise
I regret that I did not get the chance to chat with any of you this week. I am sure you were just as busy as I was trying to complete your papers.
I loved our discussion on gaming and simulations this week. I was so inspired after reading the assigned readings, that I had to change one of my topics to include gaming and its implications in K-12 classrooms. I hope Dr. Green doesn't mind that simulation gaming was not in my original outline and realize that I was driven by enthusiasm to take it upon myself to change one of my topics. I also learned a lot from some of the simulation and gaming websites you guys posted. I bookmarked several that I found relative to my teaching. Thanks a lot!
Well, only one week remains. I look forward to chatting with you all and reading and responding to your postings.
Denise
Sunday, November 11, 2007
Week 10 Reflections
I am soo glad we are on the downside of this quarter. I have really enjoyed learning about these new technologies and using Blogger, Wiki, and IM, but I am drained from having to do these in addition to other assignments. Although I have read all the required readings and completed my posts on respositories, learning objects, and LCMS, I am still a bit unsure of how I might refer to these things in a conversation. The definitions I found seem too simple to provide me with in-depth insight as to what they actually are. I learned more from reading the post of a few of our classmates. Either Christine or Kristy broke the meaning down and even provided a few links to examples of these technologies; this helped a lot. I must admit, sometimes I overanalyze things and make them seem harder than what they actually are, so the example sites gave me a better understanding.
To Shane, if you read this: I had to go back and look through your multimedia presentation on learning objects because it also helped me gain a better understanding of what learning objects actually are. Thanks, Shane!
Denise
To Shane, if you read this: I had to go back and look through your multimedia presentation on learning objects because it also helped me gain a better understanding of what learning objects actually are. Thanks, Shane!
Denise
Sunday, November 4, 2007
Week 9 Reflections/IMessenger
MSN Messenger has served as a helpful tool for this course. In fact, it would be nice to have it availabe and as a requirement for other courses. It was helpful to see the faces of my classmates (some of which I have had shared many courses with before) because sometimes these online courses can be intimidating--seeing the face along with the posts helped realize that we are all human. During the chats, I learned about many resources and applications for class material and topics. A few times I was engaged in helpful discussions on how to use the Whiteboard of MSN Messenger; I believe Kristy showed me how to upload a file and draw on the Whiteboard. It was either Kristy or Meredith who upoaded a picture of one of her sons playing soccer. Shayne, and a few others and I once started a group chat; this was easier than I realized, but it reminded me of being in a conversation in which everyone is talking simultaneously--I found myself responding to or trying to keep up and respond to everyone's comment--which was fun. One student even shared some information on free web sites for teachers--Moodles was the one, which I had never heard of before then. I was even able to get information on how to set up and enhance a web log. Overall, the Instant Messenger by MSN Live was very helpful in that it allowed me to collaborate on various applications for these new technologies in which we have been studying and it has given me opportunities to learn from my peers. I was even able to catch Dr. Green on-line to ask him a question. The only thing I have not been able to do is engage in audio chat and that is because I cannot find the setup disc for installing my microphone. Using the IM has been a wonderful experience; one in which I intend to keep going and use it as a learning tool. The MSN Messenger would also be a wonderful tool for use in K-12 education as teachers, parents, and students would be able to communicate.
Reflections for this week: It has been interesting viewing the remaining multimedia presentations. Although there is no use crying over spilt milk, each time I view a presentation, I cringe at my own. Many are so captivating and professionally done that I feel so small. The good thing about all this is that I can take what I have learned from other presentations (e.g., design, style, information) and improve my skills.
Reflections for this week: It has been interesting viewing the remaining multimedia presentations. Although there is no use crying over spilt milk, each time I view a presentation, I cringe at my own. Many are so captivating and professionally done that I feel so small. The good thing about all this is that I can take what I have learned from other presentations (e.g., design, style, information) and improve my skills.
Sunday, October 28, 2007
Week 8 Reflections
I really enjoyed looking at the multimedia presentations this week. Each one I viewed was so well prepared and included not only a wealth of information, but a lot of audio, video, and interactive buttons. I was so impressed. After seeing these presentations, I want to redo mine. I used my wiki space to present my presentation, but it is not attractive to look at and does not include much audio or video. In fact, I was so tired when I recorded my voice for the PowerPoint on Sharepoint that it (my voice) sounded cracky and too deep so I did not use it.
The webliography and Doc Sharing tabs located in our course forum made it easy to access multimedia presentations. I initially emailed everyone the url to my presentation, then read the email Dr. Green sent about posting it to the webliography. This should have been made clear from the beginning. I put the Sharepoint PP in the doc sharing folder just because I saw that others had placed their PPts there. I could not get my entire wiki presentation there so I just listed my url.
I was awed by the many ways wireless technologies have been used, according to the online article, Campus Technology at http://www.campus-technology.com/article.asp?id=17563. I am from Georgia and I just learned from another student in another course that Georgia is at the top of the list in regard to technology in K-12 classrooms. The web site with this information was provided to show me evidence, but I would have to go back to my other course to get the url. I did check the informatin out and was astounded to learn that Georgia (my state) is among the top in terms of technology inclusion. I reside in Augusta and don't see much of this (at least not in my particular school). I would love it if our district designed an infrastructure for the use of wireless technologies. Students would love this too as many of them have iPods, cell phones, and other handheld devices. At this point, students are not even allowed to bring any electronic devices to school--not even electronic dictionaries. And because many mp3 players look like memory sticks (thumb drives), students are not even allowed to bring these (memory sticks) to middle school. Although they are allowed in high school. The idea of having wireless technologies, such as wi-fi, available for students to use for wireless devices would optimize teaching and learning. I don't believe that having wireless technologies would mean that schools are focusing on technology as opposed to the curriculum. These wireless technologies would just make teaching and learning so much more engaging, as well as accessible.
The webliography and Doc Sharing tabs located in our course forum made it easy to access multimedia presentations. I initially emailed everyone the url to my presentation, then read the email Dr. Green sent about posting it to the webliography. This should have been made clear from the beginning. I put the Sharepoint PP in the doc sharing folder just because I saw that others had placed their PPts there. I could not get my entire wiki presentation there so I just listed my url.
I was awed by the many ways wireless technologies have been used, according to the online article, Campus Technology at http://www.campus-technology.com/article.asp?id=17563. I am from Georgia and I just learned from another student in another course that Georgia is at the top of the list in regard to technology in K-12 classrooms. The web site with this information was provided to show me evidence, but I would have to go back to my other course to get the url. I did check the informatin out and was astounded to learn that Georgia (my state) is among the top in terms of technology inclusion. I reside in Augusta and don't see much of this (at least not in my particular school). I would love it if our district designed an infrastructure for the use of wireless technologies. Students would love this too as many of them have iPods, cell phones, and other handheld devices. At this point, students are not even allowed to bring any electronic devices to school--not even electronic dictionaries. And because many mp3 players look like memory sticks (thumb drives), students are not even allowed to bring these (memory sticks) to middle school. Although they are allowed in high school. The idea of having wireless technologies, such as wi-fi, available for students to use for wireless devices would optimize teaching and learning. I don't believe that having wireless technologies would mean that schools are focusing on technology as opposed to the curriculum. These wireless technologies would just make teaching and learning so much more engaging, as well as accessible.
Sunday, October 21, 2007
Week 7 Reflections
I am exhausted from this week's assignments. I am nearly done with my multimedia presentation and would have been done already, but I was indecisive in determining how to present my presentation. I started out with google page creator (but it does not allow a lot of flexibility), then started a PowerPoint presentation and was not interested b/c I have done so many powerpoints before. I wanted to explore something different so I put my presentation on my Wiki Space at http://deniseogden.wikispaces.com I am not completely finished yet, but will be before midnight tonight. There are so many cool gadgets to use with wiki (although I realize this is not a collaboration project, I just wanted to try it out. It is very simple to use and insert images and pictures. I am not good on the audio yet. I did try recording my voice, but it sounded so gragly and tired that I deleted the audio files. I was able to get some audio and video tutorials on wiki features, so I hope this counts.
Learning about asynchronous and synchronous learning environments was interesting. As I responded to one person's question as to which I prefer, I must admit that I prefer asynchronous learning environments b/c I am shy by nature and traditional classroom settings have always been nerve wracking for me. I enjoy learning at my own pace in the comfort of my own home. I am self-motivated and I tend to work better alone than in groups. When I work with people I am familiar with, I end up being less productive b/c we usually converse about unrelated information rather than the topic at hand. When I collaborate with someone I am not familiar with, there is always the feeling that I am not doing my part; there have been cases in which I was left with all the work.
Have a great week.
P.S. I experimented with the whiteboard on MSN Live Messenger, but did not understand how it can benefit learning. If anyone knows, please give me some insight on how the whiteboard can be a useful tool.
Denise
Learning about asynchronous and synchronous learning environments was interesting. As I responded to one person's question as to which I prefer, I must admit that I prefer asynchronous learning environments b/c I am shy by nature and traditional classroom settings have always been nerve wracking for me. I enjoy learning at my own pace in the comfort of my own home. I am self-motivated and I tend to work better alone than in groups. When I work with people I am familiar with, I end up being less productive b/c we usually converse about unrelated information rather than the topic at hand. When I collaborate with someone I am not familiar with, there is always the feeling that I am not doing my part; there have been cases in which I was left with all the work.
Have a great week.
P.S. I experimented with the whiteboard on MSN Live Messenger, but did not understand how it can benefit learning. If anyone knows, please give me some insight on how the whiteboard can be a useful tool.
Denise
Sunday, October 14, 2007
Week 6 Reflections
Wow! Learning about ITV and Podcasts was enlightening. I have heard of podcast but never saw how they can be used in an educational environment. I was so curious about how podcasting works that I actually took the advice from Richardson (2006) and downloaded the free software called Audacity. It is very simple to set up, but I had a difficult time trying to save my casts to the accompanying software used for storing your podcasts. I loved playing with it. My son read a story and loved hearing his voice; we later tried adding sound affects to it, which made it even more interesting. I see a lot of potential educational use in podcasting.
Interactive Television is definately a new phenomenon to me. I read several articles on ITV and the one most interesting made a few points in which I can relate to. One being that most often TV is a medium in which one relaxes and enjoys the comfort and simplicity of not having to do anything other than watch or listen. I don't watch much TV--only a few episodes of Seinfield or Martin when I need a good laugh. The TV must be already turned to these shows because I find our remote control too complex to use. I can imagine how complicated a remote control would be to an ITV. Sometimes all the blows and whistles that iare supposed to make technology easy and more interactive is simply a turn-off!
Interactive Television is definately a new phenomenon to me. I read several articles on ITV and the one most interesting made a few points in which I can relate to. One being that most often TV is a medium in which one relaxes and enjoys the comfort and simplicity of not having to do anything other than watch or listen. I don't watch much TV--only a few episodes of Seinfield or Martin when I need a good laugh. The TV must be already turned to these shows because I find our remote control too complex to use. I can imagine how complicated a remote control would be to an ITV. Sometimes all the blows and whistles that iare supposed to make technology easy and more interactive is simply a turn-off!
Saturday, October 6, 2007
Week 5 Reflections
This week has really been enlightening. I learned a lot about open-ended learning environments. It is unfortunate that I have been surrounded by this type of equipment for awhile and did not know the value in them and did not know how they could be used in the classroom. The Mapmaker's Toolkit mentioned by Alessi and Trollip (2001) is one of many types of software in which I aquired when I moved into another classroom. When I first saw the software, I thought of it only to be used to reward students; I saw it more as a game and nothing to be taken seriously. I realize that I have this type of software at home for my own kids. One of my sons like the Truck Driver USA CD-ROM. It allows him to decide what he wants to deliver to different companies around the USA; he must decide the best route to take and must determine what time (zone) he will arrive at his designations. The game allows him to interact with a GPS and other tools. He gets penalized and have to pay fines for accidents, speeding, and having his truck over the required weight limit. He can even connect to the Internet to get research information on the things he may be interested in delivering. I think it is neat because he has to use critical thinking skills, trial-and-error, math, reading, history, and science.
It seems as though interactive games, which can be on CD-ROM or Playstation, such as The Sims fall into this OLE. It comes with no direction, but offers many options. We have an entire classroom set of OLEs, such as GeoSafari and a history one (I forget its name) that enable students to construct their own knowledge or apply what they have learned. I know the history CD-ROM presents different events in history and requires the learner to make decisions. They are able to see the outcomes and later read how their decision compares to similar ones made in that particular setting. The only drawback is that I can't really use this type of OLE as a teaching tool because there are not enough computers in the classroom for everyone and I cannot track what the learner has gained. For now it seems as though OLEs are unstructured and meaningless because they are so open. My goal is to find ways in which I can make OLEs meaningful teaching and learning tools; to do this I must read and interact with these tools first.
The OLE scavengerhunt was fun. There were so many of them that I got off track a few times. The one I put in my post is very useful to me because it allows students and teachers to interact internationally. The projects included on the online OLE has many projects dealing with social and environmental issues and it taps into many subject areas.
It seems as though interactive games, which can be on CD-ROM or Playstation, such as The Sims fall into this OLE. It comes with no direction, but offers many options. We have an entire classroom set of OLEs, such as GeoSafari and a history one (I forget its name) that enable students to construct their own knowledge or apply what they have learned. I know the history CD-ROM presents different events in history and requires the learner to make decisions. They are able to see the outcomes and later read how their decision compares to similar ones made in that particular setting. The only drawback is that I can't really use this type of OLE as a teaching tool because there are not enough computers in the classroom for everyone and I cannot track what the learner has gained. For now it seems as though OLEs are unstructured and meaningless because they are so open. My goal is to find ways in which I can make OLEs meaningful teaching and learning tools; to do this I must read and interact with these tools first.
The OLE scavengerhunt was fun. There were so many of them that I got off track a few times. The one I put in my post is very useful to me because it allows students and teachers to interact internationally. The projects included on the online OLE has many projects dealing with social and environmental issues and it taps into many subject areas.
Sunday, September 30, 2007
Week 4 Reflections
This week has been interesting. I learned more about how to use blogs in the classrooms. I was really enlightened on Wikis. I have not had any experience with Wikis. I did not realize how valuable they could be in an academic setting. I found a short article in Education Week (Sept. 12, 2007) that discussed the popularity of Wikis in some school districts like Pennsylvania, California, and (suprisingly) Georgia (my home state). The article even mentioned that a for-profit organization in San Francisco offers free wikis to teachers. The author, Davis (2007), contends that the creators of wikis generally limited the number of viewers, but educators prefer to have public wikis so teachers across the country can contribute or collaborate.
I am exploring other features for blogs, as well. The icons on this particular blog make it easy to add videos and images. See the picture of my son's horse? I am still trying to figure out how to use the whiteboard in the MSN Messenger Live chat forum. I played around with it, but it doesn't appear to be user-friendly.
I am really excited to be learning about these new technologies.
Reference:
Davis, M.R. (2007). Wiki wisdom: Lessons for educators. Education Week, 27, 3.
Saturday, September 22, 2007
Week 3 Reflections
There was a lot of reading involved in this week's assignment, but I actually completed them all. I learned a lot about the differences between CBT/WBT and web based education. Some things I already knew, but the readings helped me see the difference between these types of learning environments. I enjoyed reading the posts of the web site critique of courses because they put me in connection with a lot of information. I even page marked some sites that I know I will need for the future.
There was a lot of reading involved in this week's assignment, but I actually completed them all. I learned a lot about the differences between CBT/WBT and web based education. Some things I already knew, but the readings helped me see the difference between these types of learning environments. I enjoyed reading the posts of the web site critique of courses because they put me in connection with a lot of information. I even page marked some sites that I know I will need for the future.
Thursday, September 20, 2007
Saturday, September 15, 2007
Reflections September 15, 2007
Hello to all!
I am having a difficult time with this blog because I have several blog account. I am not sure if I am to enter my msn email account and password when I respond to other people blogs or do I just enter deniseogden.blogspot.com. If anyone can see this and knoww what to do, please help.
Thanks,
Denise
I am having a difficult time with this blog because I have several blog account. I am not sure if I am to enter my msn email account and password when I respond to other people blogs or do I just enter deniseogden.blogspot.com. If anyone can see this and knoww what to do, please help.
Thanks,
Denise
Monday, September 10, 2007
Week 2 Reflections
Hello everyone!
Setting up this blog was easy, but I am not sure how to get others invited to view my blogs.
Reflecting on this weeks reading--reading Alassi and Trollip was basically a review of learning theories, but I was able to see how certain features of software is related to each theory. The article in the 2020 report by Walczak (2002) was more like something out of a science fiction movie rather than a description of Adventure Learning. It was far beyond my imagination.
Denise
Setting up this blog was easy, but I am not sure how to get others invited to view my blogs.
Reflecting on this weeks reading--reading Alassi and Trollip was basically a review of learning theories, but I was able to see how certain features of software is related to each theory. The article in the 2020 report by Walczak (2002) was more like something out of a science fiction movie rather than a description of Adventure Learning. It was far beyond my imagination.
Denise
Sunday, September 9, 2007
Hello! I am Denise Ogden from Augusta, Georgia. I am married with two sons, ages 15 and 8. I am working on a Ph.D in educational technology. I enjoy teaching and learning. Currently, I am teaching 7th grade languge arts.
I look forward to learning and discovering new technologies and software in which I can use in my classroom and in my personal life.
Denise
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