Chapter 8

Chapter 8 :Communicating and Network with Websites, Blogs, Wikis, and More

Photo Credits: Richard Cawood on Flickr

Focus Question:  How can teachers use wikis to promote collaborative learning?

Teachers can use wikis in many ways. They help the students to learn together and share information. Also, a wikitext can be created together as part of a class study topic. Our class currently uses the wiki to view assignment due dates and rubrics at any time without having to ask/email our teacher.

Tech Tool: Blogger

Blogger is new to me; I just started using it in this class. I enjoy it and think that for being a free blogging website, it has a lot of good features. We use it - like I am right now- to do our weekly journal post assignment. It is very user friendly has nice free backgrounds to choose from. Another feature I like is that it is public so anyone can view your blog. All in all, blogger is a great tool.

Summary& Connection

This chapter is mainly about how teachers and students can share ideas together online. There are various methods such as blog websites, discussion boards, and email. Before I began this EME2040 class I was not aware of all of the blogging websites out on the internet. I think that as our culture is evolving quickly to more technology based learning that classes will be using these kind of technologies for most assignments instead of the typical paper turning in methods.

Resources:
 Maloy, Robert W. Transforming Learning with New Technologies. Boston: Pearson/Allyn and Bacon, 2011. Web

Chapter 7

Chapter 7 : Problem Solving and Inquiry Learning with Software and Web Tools

Photo Credits: Michael Surran on Flickr

Focus Question: How can teachers use computer games and simulations as learning resources?

First of all, not all teachers agree on using games for students to learn, but if used correctly they can enhance students' skills. Games keep the student engaged and they are learning and sharpening their skills while doing an activity that they are enjoying.

Tech Tool: The Learning Company

I couldn't find Zoombinis Logical Journey on the website that the book gave, although I found it via Google search, and it had high reviews. I went on The Learning Company's webpage and their a variety of Software programs available for purchase. Most people like free things, and honestly there are tons of websites with free learning games.I'm sure the games are great games, but as a future teacher, I think free is the way to go.

Summary & Connection

This chapter defines what inquiry learning is and explains how it engages students. Also, in this chapter we learn about different sources available via Web and Software programs for inquiry learning. When I observed a 2nd grade class last year, the teacher had brought the class to the computer lab and the students were using a Software program for math that was a space game. The students were excited when it was time to go down to the computer lab. I could tell that they enjoyed playing the math game.


Resources:
 Maloy, Robert W. Transforming Learning with New Technologies. Boston: Pearson/Allyn and Bacon, 2011. Web

Journal 6- Chapter 6:

Teaching with Educational Websites and Other Online Resources

 

Image Source: Shane Pope on Flickr

 

Focus Question: What is information management and digital content?

Information management is a business term that typically describes the way organizations and systems keep track of data and making decisions and setting policies.

Digital content is an easily accessible source of academic information and knowledge online.

Tech Tool:Diigo

Diigo is similar to Delicious.com in the fact that you can bookmark websites. But with Diigo you can highlight Web pages and add sticky notes. Every time you go on that page your notations will be there. I like it better than Delicious and found it to be very user friendly and they even have it on the iPad.

Summary & Connection

 This chapter talks a lot about bookmarking and ways that you can organize information on the Web. In class, all students were assigned to make a Delicious account but I honestly haven't used it very much. I think personally I just don't like bookmarking websites. Maybe when I become a teacher I would have more uses for them.


Resources:
 Maloy, Robert W. Transforming Learning with New Technologies. Boston: Pearson/Allyn and Bacon, 2011. Web