It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas, Toys and Apps at every store...

Over the past 14 weeks, I have come to learn just how important technology truly is to our students, and how important it is to find its way into the classroom.

Technology and digital media is all around us, and we are especially reminded of that during the holidays. Thinking back to Christmases past, I can remember walking down the toy aisle and seeing board games, Barbie dolls and action figures. Row after row was stuffed with plush stuffed animals and dress up costumes. As I walked down those same shopping aisles this past weekend, I again saw Barbie dolls and action figures, board games and costumes. While these items were still present, it was evident that they were largely outnumbered by digital toys, digital media, and a variety of technology.

It’s been so interesting to see all the latest gadgets and gizmos that are designed for our children. Every day is a learning experience, walking down the shopping aisle is yet again another one of those learning experiences. I learn so much from looking at the latest toys, whether it be what appeals most to children, what application process is most beneficial, or how I can incorporate certain aspects of these toys into my lessons.

While some items can be quite expensive, I have sought out less expensive items that still provide that digital media exposure to our children. Walgreens and CVS are two great places that have mini laptops for ages 6 and up for only $10.00-$15.00. They also have a variety of toys that help expose our students to the world of digital media.

Prior to teaching, I had always evaluated the toys I bought for others based on appeal and interest. Today, while I still keep in mind that appeal and interest, I am also thinking about educational components and toys that will help our children to grow and develop. Digital media toys (most of them) will do just that.

The Start of a Beautiful Friendship

14 weeks ago I embarked on a journey of epic proportions. With limited knowledge in the world of technology and digital media, I entered into the first day of my EME 5050 Technology for Educators course at the University Of Central Florida with trepidation, hesitation, but above all, determination. I knew that I was on the verge of something great, an opportunity to step out of my comfort zone and dabble into severely uncharted territories in the form of blogs, wikis, diigos and prezis, just to name a few. I knew that this journey would not be the easiest, as learning something for the first time rarely is. The difficulties I encountered along the road though, were so very beneficial to me and experiences that, while looking back on definitely made me stress more than Game 6 of the 2011 World Series between the St. Louis Cardinals and the Texas Rangers, I would not trade for the world. Each experience taught me something new not only about technology, but about myself as well; most notably my will to persevere.

The very first week of class, we were given a link to Dr. McLeod’s blog. In that blog, Dr. McLeod posed a question. The first time I read the question, it was just that; a question. Little did I know that it would serve as my Jiminy Cricket throughout the entire duration of this course. Each time I began to wonder why it was I needed to perform a particular assignment when it was so difficult and I could just as easily do it the old fashioned pen and paper way and be done much faster, Dr. McLeod’s question whispered through my head much like a conscious. Each time I thought about taking the easier route, I reverted back to that bigger question; Are we doing was is best for our students, or are we doing what is most convenient for us?
 In my very first blog, I stated the following;
For some, like myself, technology can be somewhat of a foreign concept. The basics? I have them down pact. Typing? I can do it with my eyes closed. Create web casts and blogs? Ok, now we are starting to enter into uncharted territory. I will admit, the unknown aspects of technology make me nervous, and it would be extremely convenient for me to stick to what I know and only that. But I can tell you this here and now, that is something I will never let myself do. If I find myself all of the sudden comfortable and content, then something needs to change.
Had I chosen the path of simply sticking to what I know, rather than choosing challenge over convenience, I would have missed out on so very much. Through this course, I have learned how to formulate excel spread sheets, which will enable me to efficiently calculate grades and assignments for years to come. I have designed and composed a curriculum page, complete with lesson plans, student geared directions, and a digital storytelling project, all of which will heighten the engagement level of my students while enhancing their overall learning environment. I have created a Prezi, which has since stolen my love and affection away from power points (sorry about that power point!). I have learned about the ins and outs of digital media, and the ways in which we can integrate it into our curriculum. I have discovered that there is a whole world of online resources freely available to educators that will expand our students horizons, fully engage them in our lessons, and most importantly, prepare them for the 21^st century. I have become a blogger, which I never, ever, thought I would say, but which has enabled me to share all that I have learned with you, and learn a great deal that I did learn, from you as well.

I have learned so much within these 14 weeks, but I know there is still so much that I need to learn. I plan on jumping at every professional development opportunity that comes my way regarding digital media and technology. I plan on continuing to learn from my professors, fellow educators, and my students. Most importantly, I plan on continuing to select challenges over convenience.

14 weeks ago, the relationship between myself and technology started off as that of strangers. Since then, we have built a friendship…a friendship I foresee continuing to grow for years to come.

Digital Storytelling Sample..."Once Upon a Light Year..."

Digital Storytelling example; “Once Upon a Light Year…”

Digital Storytelling projects are engaging way to get students actively involved in the storytelling process. Not only does it enhance the overall learning environment by adding a hands on, interactive component, it integrates several technological aspects. Digital Storytelling enables the student to take ownership of his or her assignment by enabling them to plan, implement and create their desired digital story outcome. This form of storytelling invites and embraces the creativity of our students, making it one of my new favorite classroom projects.

Below you will find a link to my sample Digital Storytelling project. My wiki curriculum page is designed for 2^nd grade students, and has them creating a digital storytelling project on a “strange new planet” that they have just come across. On the curriculum page is a set of guidelines that may help them plan out their story, and the information they will need.

I am still working on embedding the sound within my Prezi. Please let me know of any suggestions for improvements that you may have!

https://5050eme.wikispaces.com/
https://5050eme.wikispaces.com/Digital+Storytelling+Sample

If you give a child the opportunity to partake in Digital storytelling, he or she will probably want to...

Characters brought to life right before your eyes. Scenery as vivid as the eye can see. Music that adds both drama and suspense. A child’s creativity running rampant as he or she uses real life images to portray a time old tale. To what exactly am I referring? What is it that encompasses all of these different areas? Well, my friend, it is the world of digital storytelling. Never heard of it? Allow me to explain a little further…

Digital storytelling is a way to digitally tell a story through means of enhanced interactive graphics, video and audio. Digital storytelling allows students to play an active role in the creation of a story, or recreation of a timeless classic. Through digital storytelling, students are provided with the opportunity to use various digital media, such as cameras, computers, audio software, Google images, and so much more. Students dabble in all of the above mentioned areas, all in efforts to create an engaging representation of the story at hand.

This week, we read about ways in which we can incorporate digital media within the walls of our classroom. We read of ways to expose students to the bevy of digital media that exists in this world, therefore providing them with needed practice for their eventual real world use. Digital storytelling is just one way in which we can expose our students to the realm of digital media.

I attended a workshop last fall that spoke of Digital storytelling. The presenter shared the many ways in which we can incorporate digital storytelling within our curriculum. She shared with us a digital story that she and her class had created, collaboratively, with a fellow second grade class. The students recreated the story of If you give a mouse a cookie by Laura Numeroff. Using their own class pet, which was a mouse, they photographed him doing the various things that the little mouse in the story does. Each student was assigned a specific job of which they were in charge. The final product was more than a fun and creative depiction of this timeless classic; the final product was a successful group project in which students learned to work together and fulfill their job responsibilities, as well as a heightened awareness and exposure to one particular facet of digital media.

As you can see, there are so many ways in which students can become engaged in digital storytelling. It is all about taping into our creative side, and working together to create something great. What are some ideas you have for a digital story? I would love to hear how you have used them within your own classroom!

A Tale of Digital Storytelling...

Below is a link to my first ever Prezi, that's right, I'm actually onto Prezi's now! The central focus of this Prezi is the idea of "Digital Storytelling" and the vast benefits that come with the implementation of this wonderful source of media within the classroom. What is Digital Storytelling you ask? Well, let me tell you...  Hop onboard and come with me through my journey of Digital Storytelling, the journey of a lifetime... (ok, maybe not lifetime, but certainly of the past week...)

Let's Go!

http://prezi.com/i9w19c-hoqur/a-tale-of-digital-storytelling/

Just a jump, hop and a Skype away...

It seems that much of what I choose to write about in these blogs stems from personal experiences; this week is no different. A few weeks ago, one of my closest friends gave birth to a beautiful, healthy baby girl. Unfortunately, her husband was unable to be present for the birth. The reason for this was because he is currently bravely serving our country oversees as a distinguished member of the United States Marine Corps. As I stated, he was not present for the birth, but he did not miss a second of the delivery. In fact, he saw every single moment of that day, felt every single emotion within the room, and heard that very first single cry from his brand new baby girl. You may be wondering how this was possible. How could he have experienced and seen all of this occur when he was thousands of miles away? The answer lies in one small software application simply known as, Skype.  

Skype, as its definition states, is a software application that allows users to make voice and video calls and chats over the internet. All that is needed is this application, two functioning computers and recipients on both ends to create an extremely powerful and profound connection, as seen in the story above. This got me thinking. A major aspect of teaching is connecting our students to the outside world. As teachers, we should be exposing them to and immersing them in the rich diversity that exists all around us. By providing them with unique opportunities to make lasting connections with others, we are strengthening their awareness of the happenings of the world. My friend and her husband were able to make such a connection from thousands of miles away. Skype presents us, as educators, with the rich opportunity to make these connections with students who may be right around the corner, or in this case, a little bit farther away.

 

I started thinking about ways in which I could incorporate Skype into my curriculum. I researched, online, how fellow teachers have chosen to implement Skype within their own classrooms, and the numerous benefits that resulted from the implementation of this application. I came across so many innovative ideas as to how we can use this form of digital-media to further enhance the learning experience, and engagement levels, of our students. Some of the most creative and engaging ideas mentioned included; setting up a Skype session with the author of the book you and your class have just completed, having discussions with classes in other states as well as overseas to gain powerful insight into their culture and classroom dynamics, using Skype as a means of professional development with regards to attending out of state conferences and sessions online, and lastly taking virtual field trips to out of state locations, as well as enabling students who cannot physically attend a field trip for various reasons to still partake.

These are just a few of the many, many ideas I stumbled upon this week, but the uses and possibilities of Skype within the classroom are truly limitless. Technology has provided us with so many amazing opportunities to connect with the community in which we live, and the world of which we are a part. The Skype application is just one of those many ways that is enabling us to continually make, with our students, those powerful and lasting connections and meaningful learning experiences.

Below is a link to a number of creative ways in which you can incorporate Skype into your own classroom. What are some other ideas you have, or creative ways you have used Skype with your students?

(2001). 50 Awesome ways to use Skype in the classroom. Teaching Degree. Retrieved from      http://www.teachingdegree.org/2009/06/30/50-awesome-ways-to-use-skype-in-the-classroom/

R-E-S-P-E-C-T: The importance of Internet Etiquette

Four walls, 2 windows, a white board, desks and chairs. Up until a few years ago, this was the realm in which we were teaching our students. This was otherwise known as a classroom. Within this classroom we shared, with our fellow colleagues, the duty and responsibility to teach our students the values of citizenship and civility. Each day we modeled what it means to be a good citizen, to treat others with kindness and respect, and to represent one’s self in a positive manner; how he or she wishes to be represented. We, as teachers, continue this task each and every day that we step inside the classroom. Nowadays though, we have yet another realm into which our students are venturing. The parameters of this realm include four edges, one screen, and countless networks that share and spread the information posted by our students; this realm is known as the internet.

This week, we were provided with a number of informational blogs and articles that focused in on several different topics, spanning from plagerism and copyrights to the integration of cell phones within the classroom. The one topic that struck me, moreso than the others, dealt with preparing our students for the 21^st century, with regards to how they represent themselves not only in the classroom, but online as well.
Our students have a lot to say, and the internet gives them yet another outlet in which they can express their ideas and feelings. As teachers, we are always looking for creative ways in which we can enable our students to feel comfortable expressing their emotions and ideas. Once we find these ways, we implement them into our curriculum. Throughout the year, we are then able to provide feedback as to the word choices they are using and model for them respectful ways in which they can get their ideas across. This acts as a coninutal learning process for both our students and ourselves throughout the year. The blog I read was written by a high school teacher and focused in on how students are choosing to express themselves online, often times not in a way that best represents who they are as a person, nor anything with which they are affiliated.

I have seen, firsthand, people post things online that I know they would never say in person. Not only is this done by children, but teens and adults as well. It’s almost as if they believe the internet, and social media sites, are separate from real life. It is believed that what is written or said in these arenas does not translate to reality, but sadly this notion is not entirely true. What people chose to write on the internet is public for all to see, no matter how many privacy settings you have set. Once something is written or posted online, it is almost impossible to totally eradicate it from existence. The pictures we post, the things we say to others are available for all to see. Potential job employers are taking to social media sites to research their potential employees more now than ever before. In my opinion, we need to be constantly informing our students about both the pros and cons of the internet and social media sites.

We have done a good job over the years with providing our students with an environment in which they can grow and develop as good citizens. We have modeled for them manners, how to address and resolve conflicts respectfully and appropriately, and have gotten them to think about how it is they wish to be seen. We have done all of this within those four walls, 2 windows, a whiteboard, desks and chairs known as a classroom. As we continue entering into the 21^st century, we now have to make sure we are doing this within those four edges, one screen and countless networks known as the internet.

What are some ways in which we can continue to educate our students about internet etiquette?

Honoring a Hero...1 "Like" at a time...

This past week marked the 10^th anniversary of September 11^th, a day that we, as a nation, will never forget. Most of us can still remember vividly the images from that fateful day. These images were shown on televisions and computers all across the world. This past week, the students at the University of Central Florida were shown a never before seen image from that tragic day; the image was a red bandanna, and the story behind that bandanna touched the hearts that make up the 50,000+ student body population. A week before September 11^th, 2011, ESPN did a special segment on the show “Outside the Lines”. The segment was entitled, “The Man in the Red Bandanna”. It was 13 of the most powerful, moving minutes that I have ever witnessed on television. It was the story of Wells Crowther, a former Boston College lacrosse player who died on September 11^th, 2001 while saving his coworkers from the World Trade Center. Wells was known for always wearing a red bandanna, to which the segment explained in detail. When Wells turned six, his father game him a red bandanna to wear. From that moment on, Wells carried that bandanna everywhere with him On 9/11/2001, Wells again had his red bandanna.
On September 10^th, 2011, UCF was scheduled to play Boston College at home in what was being called the biggest home football game in UCF’s history. A few days prior to this game, two UCF students, who were so touched and moved by Wells’ story, used social media to create an event that would highlight and celebrate the heroic actions of Wells Crowther on September 11^th, 2001. The two UCF students created a Facebook event in which they asked the students, faculty, and members of the UCF community to wear a red bandanna to the UCF vs. BC game on September 10^th, 2011. Within minutes, dozens of students responded that they were going to attend this event. Within hours, those numbers jumped to the hundreds. Within days, the number of attendees was well into the thousands. On the day of the football game, a sea of red bandannas filled Brighthouse Networks Stadium. News outlets had caught wind of the story and were in attendance to capture the tribute. Wells’ sisters even made the trip down from the Northeast to show their appreciation for how their brother was being honored. It was one of the most moving tributes I have ever seen, and I can say, without reservation, that I had never been more proud to be a Knight than I was on September 10^th, 2011.
Social media has transfixed the way we communicate and receive information. This story is a clear example of how much our times have changed, and how quickly information can be spread from one individual to another. Just as the textbook, Teachers discovering computers; Integrating technology and digital media into the classroom states, “The ability to communicate information instantly and accurately has changed the way people conduct business and interact with each other, and the way students learn” (Gunter, Gunter & Shelly, 2010). This quote is certainly holding true.
One social media site. Two students. Seven days. 50,000 plus individuals touched by the actions of one heroic man.

http://espn.go.com/video/clip?id=6929979

References:
　
Shelly, G., Gunter, G., Randolph, G., (2010) Teachers discovering computers: Integrating technology and digital media in the classroom. Course Technology, 6th ed. pg 56

In the Eyes of an Optimist...

Recently for my EME 5050 Technology course, our professor provided us with a link to what I can only describe as an eye opening, mind blowing 7 minutes and 38 seconds of where we as a people started, stand currently, and are progressing towards with regards to the realm of technology. The video, entitled Iowa: Did you Know? was a compilation of data and information pertaining to how we, as a society, are exposed to countless forms of technology each and every day through IPADs, Iphones, twitter, face book, flicker; the list goes on and on. Millions of people have access to these modes of communication, but as the video showed, there are still so many areas that lack such accessibility; case in point, the field of education. According to the video, “we as a nation spend less on school technology than we did a decade ago. In 1998 we spent $48 million towards education. In 2008, we spent $42 million.” This statistic, along with several others from the video, were unsettling as an educator to take in. Having been in the classroom, I have seen first hand teachers doing all they can with what little technology they have. They model every day the creative thinking and problem solving skills, in which they try to teach their students, by the ways in which they are incorporating the technology that they do have into their lessons, all in efforts to provide the most for their students. This brings me to the question we were asked upon completion of viewing this video. The question comes from Dr. McLeod’s blog and asks, “Are we doing what is best for our students or are we doing what is most convenient for us?”

Today teachers are given the task to teach and prepare students for jobs that have yet to even be created. This may be daunting for many to take in at first. Nevertheless, it is the challenge that we, as educators, face every day head on, and the reason why we were drawn to this profession. We meet this challenge with a strong sense of commitment, dedication and optimism that we can, and will, do everything in our power to provide our students with the best learning environment possible, and provide them with the tools that they will need in order to be successful in these “yet to be determined” jobs. With that said, I feel that it is evident that a teacher’s first frame of mind involves doing what is best for the student.

For some, like myself, technology can be somewhat of a foreign concept. The basics? I have them down pact. Typing? I can do it with my eyes closed. Create web casts and blogs? Ok, now we are starting to enter into uncharted territory. I will admit, the unknown aspects of technology make me nervous, and it would be extremely convenient for me to stick to what I know and only that. But I can tell you this here and now, that is something I will never let myself do. If I find myself all of the sudden comfortable and content, then something needs to change. As another one of my professors recently stated, “If you do not come across difficulties in the things you are doing, you are obviously not trying anything new.” Sticking to what we’ve always done will never challenge us, and never enable our minds to learn something new. As A. Mercer stated in his blog back in 2007, “Sometimes we have to try something new, different and difficult. We ask our kids to do this, why can’t we?”

From what I have seen from fellow teachers and fellow education majors, we are taking the stress that comes with the lack of resources in the classroom and turning that stress into energy and creativity. For me, it is all about seizing every opportunity that comes our way, and utilizing everything we are given. Unfortunately, we may not have the resources and access that we wish, and need to have, in order to prepare our students for the future. Even more unfortunate the fact that this may not change for some time given the state our education system today, but let’s not dwell on this fact. Let’s not let this be the deciding factor on how we approach our students. Now I know this can be a lot easier said than done sometimes. I know I don’t have much experience in schools that are severely short on technology, and may be speaking from an off place. I am an optimist at heart, and try my hardest to view everything with a “glass half full” mentality. I look at this course as an extremely fortunate opportunity for us to share all of our experiences and ideas, and learn from one another like we have been so far. We have the chance to focus and brainstorm ways in which we can continually change and alter our use of the equipment we do have in order to get the absolute most out of it. As the text book, Teachers discovering computers: Integrating technology and digital media in the classroom states, “working together, we can equip students with the knowledge and skills they will need to be successful.”(Shelly, Gunter & Gunter 2010). It is clear to see from all that teachers do on a daily basis that we want nothing more than to do what benefits our students, and provide them with the best.

We may not have all the resources we would like, but we mustn’t forget that we do have the most valuable resource; the minds of our students. Let’s not forget that the first computer was not created and thought of from the modeling another computer (because at that time there were no other computers), but rather from the creativity and problem solving skills of one individual. While we may not have all the technology that we would like right now, we do have the means of continuing to develop and cultivate those creative and problem solving skills of our students. More technological resources in the classroom will come (again, this may be the optimist in me speaking), but in the meantime as long as we continually seek out professional development opportunities to learn new uses for the equipment we do have, provide our students with opportunities to advance their creativity and problem solving skills, and always pick challenges over convenience, then I think we’ll be ok.

Citation:

Fisch, K., & McLeod, S., (2011) Iowa: Did you know? Retrieved from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E1JyLYphevc&feature=player_embedded#!

McLeod, S., (2007) Well? What's your answer? dangerously!irrelevant Retrieved from http://dangerouslyirrelevant.org/2007/05/well_whats_your.html

Shelly, G., Gunter, G., Randolph, G., (2010) Teachers discovering computers: Integrating technology and digital media in the classroom. Course Technology, 6th ed. pg 13

There's a first for everything...so here's to my first blog!

Hello Everyone,

This is my first official blog...ever! I am looking forward to sharing with you all that I encounter this semester, and all that I will learn from my fellow educators throughout this course. Here's to a great year!