Web 2.0 Resources

Projeqt
Projeqt is a new way to present allowing users to insert live tweets or blog feeds, interactive maps, audio notes, videos, and stacks of images that can act as a tangent in the presentation. You can also upload and convert a PowerPoint, PDF document or batch upload many image files at once to create a Projeqt in minutes. This is good because kids can use this tool on the internet, and create and save from anywhere with internet access.

Triptico
Triptico is an app you can download to a desktop, so this would be useful in a computer lab at a school. There are many different apps for teachers like spinners, timers, task generators, lists, random grouping of students, etc. but the  most interactive is "Word Magnets." This allows you to paste a block of text converting the words into individual magnets, allowing users to manipulate the words into different arrangements. I think the word magnet app could be used to help create a found poem from other poetry or text and is more fun that circling words on paper.

Hall
Hall is another desktop tool but you can also use it as a web or mobile app. You need a "work" email, so for students to use this, there would have to be generated dummy accounts from the school where passwords change on a semester or yearly basis. Once you have an account, Hall acts kind of like a social networking site where you have a single profile page where you can post what you are working on. Other members can "high five" you on your progress and make comments. There is also the ability to create or join "War Rooms." These rooms are designed for collaboration and include group chat, video chat, file sharing, notes, and more. I think this could be great for group projects and critiquing/work shopping multiple drafts of a piece of writing.

7notes
7 Notes is a note-taking app for the iPhone and iPad that has a great set of features for teachers and students of all ages. The documents can be edited collaboratively and shared on social networks.

Barkles
Barkles is a place for side by side debates, which I had mentioned using in class in a previous post on Digital Narratives. Students and Educators can share their opinions and find out what others think - or jump into other "Dogfights." This is a free web tool that allows for social discussions and debates.

Changing Education Paradigms

:o I have just become obsessed with this video and want everyone to go watch it!

I was first really shocked by the fact that ADHD is primarily "found" on the east coast. I have been convinced since middle school I have ADHD (well that, and insomnia). I meet the "6 before 6" but as a child when my kindergarten teacher told my parents I needed Ritalin, my mom told her exactly where she could stick those pills. My parents embraced me as an energetic, hyper child and I think that instead of working against kids with their hyperactivity and trying to squash it, educators can work with that child to follow their passions and learn in ways that interest them.

I found the entire video very intriguing and think Ken Robinson is kind of brilliant. Traditional style of education is definitely outdated and to really change Education, we can't stop at just putting desks in a circle. It does seem odd to still adhere to a system of education that was designed for a completely different climate than what we live in now. Education needs to evolve with society; good leaders do not hold tight to traditions, but rather adapt and change to continue leading effectively. It amazes me that our society, one of the most advanced in the world, still has some the highest rates in violence, drunk driving, and teen pregnancy of other industrialized nations. I think changing that for the U.S. starts with creative education. Robinson brought up a good point of grouping students based on their age, but I do think though that AP classes are one good aspect of schools now because they do offer the opportunity for students of different ages and common interests to work together. But those students still need creativity, collaboration, and options. Robinson's ideas presented in the video absolutely tie back to the 21st Century Leaning goals as well as Marc Prensky's ideas presented in Teaching Digital Narratives which focus on deeper cognitive thinking. Achieving that begins with looking at students and education different.

Technology in Classrooms

The reason I posted a Prezi tutorial 2 weeks ago was because it is a newer, innovative, and interesting tool that I think can be utilized in classrooms. It requires some playing around like any new technology, but the customization exceeds PowerPoint, and embedding pictures and videos is much easier. It is also more dynamic and allows for more creativity. Another tutorial video can be found here. 

I think technology can play a vital role in the classroom if it ties to the curriculum effectively. I am in a Learning With Video games class this semester as well, and the objective is to create lessons that use video games teaching literacy and real world applications. So far it has been pretty interesting... even though I now have emails from World of Warcraft.

So far I support using technology and am interested to see where our class goes from here! Maybe I will finally learn how to use a smart board..

Prezi Tutorial1: GettingStarted