Article: History to Go: Why iTeach with iPods
Author: Deborah L. Vess
Published in the History Journal. Vol.39, No. 4
August 2006
In 2005 iPods were distributed to all incoming Duke University freshman. Stanford also started using podcasting, which were only a few months old at the time. A lot of controversy was started as to whether iPods were educational or not. As a result a teacher decided to incorporate iPods into her Graduate level course. The teacher had students use their iPods to create podcasts of their reports on history.
There were several learning outcomes that this article described. The students said they felt a lot more confident with their oral speaking skills after having done this project. This would be something great to incorporate into a speech class! The students also reported that more planning had to be done. They also had to repeatedly keep recording until the podcast was correct. They said they never would have spent enough time on this project otherwise. There were negative factors as well. Students, in a survey, mentioned that they would have liked to receive more training on the iPods. Often times things to longer to send as well, and errors occurred using the technology that couldn’t have been predicted.
I think that this would have been a great class to take! I think that this was a unique way of going about giving a presentation. I think that now students are more adapt to iPods, and would only need some simple tips and tutorials to have a better understanding.
Tuesday, December 4, 2007
Monday, December 3, 2007
Reflection from class November 28, 2007
First, I was VERY impressed with everyone's digital story. There were so many unique, and original ideas. I feel that everyone went about creating their story in a different way. I was not expecting that at all. It was great to see everyones, because you can never have too many ideas to help you incorporate this idea into the classroom.
I was also very glad that we got to learn how to create a podcast and use Garage Band. I have had Garage Band on my computer for about 2 years now, and I never knew how to use it. I opened it once and got freaked out, and assumed it was too complicated for me. This was not a good attitude to have. I have also noticed that Apple is VERY good about having tutorials available for its customers. There is a large variety for every program and every product they sell. I found it very helpful when creating my digital story.
I was also very glad that we got to learn how to create a podcast and use Garage Band. I have had Garage Band on my computer for about 2 years now, and I never knew how to use it. I opened it once and got freaked out, and assumed it was too complicated for me. This was not a good attitude to have. I have also noticed that Apple is VERY good about having tutorials available for its customers. There is a large variety for every program and every product they sell. I found it very helpful when creating my digital story.
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
Technology Lesson
I was really nervous when thinking about my technology lesson plan for some reason. I wanted to think of this really unique and cool way to use technology in the classroom. Finally I just realized that is doesn't need to be the most unique idea or "cool" idea, but rather a way to help students utilize what is available. So I just opened up a lesson that I had previosly created and thought of a practical way to use it in this classroom. This was the most beneficial thing for me. I didn't want to think of some elaborate, lesson that I know could never be used in the classroom. I wanted to create something that was definitely possible, and students could reasonably do.
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
Podcasts
I always knew that podcasts existed but never really knew to what extent. After class I went home and researched it and played around for awhile. Let me tell you there are SO MANY different podcasts out there. This would be a perfect place for someone with a busy life to catch up on the world. You can get the latest, news, updates and so much more. I downloaded a bunch (and I really liked that it didn't take as long as it would to download movies or episodes) and listened to them while I was jogging. It was definitely different than listening to music for me, but if I ever do become an extremely busy person, this would be a great tool to use! Just put in your head phones, or hook it up to your speakers in your car while you are driving and go. There are also so many things you can put on them for children! I downloaded something to do with Dora the Explorer! If I had children, I would definitely download these for them before a long car trip!
Tuesday, November 6, 2007
DIgital Storytelling
Well so far the most difficult part about creating a digital story is thinking of the idea! It has taken me a good week and a half to think of the topic for my story. Now I am trying to decide what created spin I can add to it that will get my students engaged! I know that once I have this all figured out, the actual technology aspect will be a breeze! I am actually looking forward to getting on the computer finally, and putting this all together!
I am also have difficulty deciding how I want to use this story inside the classroom. I can use my idea to discuss the scientific aspect of metamorphosis. I can also go about it from a manners inside the classroom aspect, and using respect. I think that both could be used, but I would really prefer to stress one of them.
This digital story will be able to be used inside my classroom every year from now on. I won't necessarily have to create a new one (although it would be fun). I have seen these digital stories inside classrooms before. My mom has had her students make DVDs for their mother's for Mother's Day. She has also made a story about my life as well as my brother. Many positive things have been taught and learned through these digital stories. I think they are a fun, create way to go about storytelling!
I am also have difficulty deciding how I want to use this story inside the classroom. I can use my idea to discuss the scientific aspect of metamorphosis. I can also go about it from a manners inside the classroom aspect, and using respect. I think that both could be used, but I would really prefer to stress one of them.
This digital story will be able to be used inside my classroom every year from now on. I won't necessarily have to create a new one (although it would be fun). I have seen these digital stories inside classrooms before. My mom has had her students make DVDs for their mother's for Mother's Day. She has also made a story about my life as well as my brother. Many positive things have been taught and learned through these digital stories. I think they are a fun, create way to go about storytelling!
Monday, October 22, 2007
Research Article
Journal of Computing in Teacher Education: Case Studies of Future Teachers: Learning to Teach with Technology
(Winter 2004-2005)
This article discussed teachers using technology inside their classrooms. The participants in this study were all enrolled in the first course of a three-course educational technology series. The participants were interviewed a number of times during each course, in regards to their use and feelings towards technology in their classroom.
During the first course, the participants discussed using technolgy inside their classroom, based upon their own skills and experiences with technology. The more and varied the technology experience they had, the more and varied they imagined it could be used in the classroom. Most spoke of using word processing and e-mail. Other technology savvy participants discussed using scanners, digital camers and otehr advanced software features. A semester into the study the participants became more confident with their abilities and ways to use technology. Th reasearch shows that the teachers must be shown the technology, and see it modeled (by the faculty). The must be offered instruction and practice in integrating technology into their classrooms.
The participants were also asked about some of the challenges the might face when using technology in the classroom. The challenges mentioned in the first semester and different than those mentioned in the second semester. Early on students in the first interview showed concern with simply getting the technology to work. Later, in second interviews (once students became more familiar with ways to use the technology) having enough time was the lagest concern.
This article proves to me that the more I learn in this class, the more I will use in my own class. The projects and activities we do and participate in give me practice and experience, which will then make me more comfortable with them, so I can use them later in the future. :) This class is getting me more and more comfortable with technology and ways to use it, and the more comfortable I am, the more likely I am to use it.
(Winter 2004-2005)
This article discussed teachers using technology inside their classrooms. The participants in this study were all enrolled in the first course of a three-course educational technology series. The participants were interviewed a number of times during each course, in regards to their use and feelings towards technology in their classroom.
During the first course, the participants discussed using technolgy inside their classroom, based upon their own skills and experiences with technology. The more and varied the technology experience they had, the more and varied they imagined it could be used in the classroom. Most spoke of using word processing and e-mail. Other technology savvy participants discussed using scanners, digital camers and otehr advanced software features. A semester into the study the participants became more confident with their abilities and ways to use technology. Th reasearch shows that the teachers must be shown the technology, and see it modeled (by the faculty). The must be offered instruction and practice in integrating technology into their classrooms.
The participants were also asked about some of the challenges the might face when using technology in the classroom. The challenges mentioned in the first semester and different than those mentioned in the second semester. Early on students in the first interview showed concern with simply getting the technology to work. Later, in second interviews (once students became more familiar with ways to use the technology) having enough time was the lagest concern.
This article proves to me that the more I learn in this class, the more I will use in my own class. The projects and activities we do and participate in give me practice and experience, which will then make me more comfortable with them, so I can use them later in the future. :) This class is getting me more and more comfortable with technology and ways to use it, and the more comfortable I am, the more likely I am to use it.
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
ipods
I was shown a few ways to use ipods inside the classroom this summer. First off, I feel that ipods will be like computers here in a few short years. By that I mean, I think think everyone will have one....at least it would be nice to think so. Ipods are just one of the best technological devices out there. My 5 year old cousin has one as well as my 55 year old dad. They both use it for the same thing (although they have different taste in music). The main thing we used ipods for during class was listening to stories. Lets say a parent is not home to read to a child, well that is no excuse for the child to not be read aloud to. We were given multiple websites where you can download stories that children can listen to. As a teacher, you could do more with these activities :). A child could also record themselves reading or telling a story! I am sure, just like the palms, there are programs for the ipods but not all schools can afford such things. I know Apple is very generous in regards to educators (they give a good discount....and actually a few years ago I know they didn't give one for the ipod....but maybe now since so much evidence shows that these can be used in positives way, they will give an educational discount on them), it would be wonderful if schools could have at least a classroom set to use!
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