Tag: Educational Technology

Another Creative Video

I’m a big fan of creativity and I’ve become especially interested in seeing digital video used in creative ways (Example 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6). I think there’s huge potential in this emerging technology and look forward to seeing how communications, instruction, learning, and art evolve with it.

This music video was shot for Sour’s ‘Hibi no Neiro’ (Tone of everyday) from their first mini album ‘Water Flavor EP’. The cast were selected from the actual Sour fan base, from many countries around the world. Each person and scene was filmed purely via webcam. (Source)

What Is Effective Technology Integration?

I developed the following activity for one of the educational technology courses I teach. We talk about the below scenarios and questions during the beginning of the semester. I would appreciate hearing your answers to the questions and I’m sure the teachers in the class would find it helpful.

Consider the following scenarios.

A. A teacher keeps attendance and grade records on the computer.

B. Students use concept mapping software to help them organize information for a research paper.

C. A first grade class practices math facts while playing Number Munchers in the computer lab.

D. Students use the classroom computers to check their email and read the news at ESPN.com during their free time.

E. The teacher includes video clips of scientific principles in the real world that can not be easily replicated in the classroom during the lesson.

F. Groups of students work together to produce a podcast (audio) or vidcast (video) in which they critically analyze the events that led to the tragic deaths of Romeo and Juliet.

G. The teacher types and prints worksheets for students to complete for homework.

H. Pairs of students develop interactive games related to the Middle Ages using PowerPoint.

Please share your thoughts about these questions.

1. Which of these scenarios are examples of integrating technology with learning and instruction? Provide rationale for your responses.

2. What are some of the characteristics of effective technology integration in educational settings?

Schools 2.0

(Repost from 10/07/2008)

Chris Lehman shares some of his ideas about school reform. I challenge you to consider his ideas with an open-mind.

I especially like Chris’ comment that “if you put a good person in a bad system, the system wins too often so we need to change the system.”

Just a Note

I think the structure for presentations at this event is clever. Speakers could use 20 slides with 15 seconds allowed for each slide. I think I’m going to begin using this strategy in several different areas of my work. Maybe we could begin something like this in Memphis! Anyone interested? Seriously, anyone in the greater Memphis are interested in organizing a meetup similar to this?

Educational Technology Certificate

You can earn a certificate in educational technology with our 4 online courses. Visit http://idt.memphis.edu/certificate for full details and assistance.

Web 2.0 Tools in the Classroom: Valuable or Distracting?

The following was posted on The Chronicle site today and has kicked-off a lively discussion.

Web 2.0 Classroom Versus Learning
By: Josh Fischman

There were some skeptics here this morning at The Chronicle Technology Forum, listening to a talk called “Building the Classroom of the Future: From iTunes to Twitter.” Some in the audience seemed unconvinced that tools connecting students to the Web, and to one another, would help in that future classroom.

Making the case for Web 2.0, Cole W. Camplese, director of education technology services at Pennsylvania State University at University Park, spoke engagingly about the opportunities for students to draw information from the Internet and bring it into classroom discussions.

At least two professors in the audience, however, questioned the value of open laptops and ongoing Web searches during class. When teaching physics, one of them said, some aspects require sustained concentration and focus from students. He was concerned that they would not learn intricate equations if their attention was divided.

This is an ongoing debate in higher education. It has led some professors to ban laptops. It has led others to argue that Web tools make the classroom a more productive place. There seems to be substantial evidence supporting both positions. Which side are you on, and why? (Source)

Discussion
What is your reaction? Do you think Web 2.0 tools enhance teaching and learning or are they distractions?

Schools 2.0

Chris Lehman shares some of his ideas about school reform. I challenge you to consider his ideas with an open-mind.

Just a Note

I think the structure for presentations at this event is clever. Speakers could use 20 slides with 15 seconds allowed for each slide. I think I’m going to begin using this strategy in several different areas of my work. Maybe we could begin something like this in Memphis! Anyone interested?