Cloud Classrooms - Next Big Thing In Education

I chose this article/blog because it deals with education and technology.  It even goes so far to say that a lot of educators are still very uncomfortable about technology in the classroom.  It deals with the now famous or infamous Cloud.  That thing that cannot be seen, but can connect everything and everyone from anywhere faster than ever before.  “Cloud computing has a lot to offer to schools and colleges – from simplifying administration and admission processes to enabling faster information access and easier communication.”  The article gives a few examples that are being used now like Mobile Classrooms and Distance Learning, but eludes to the nearly infinite amount of possibilities in the not so distant future.

Reference:

Thorne, L. (2013, November 12). Cloud Classrooms - Next Big Thing In Education - Tech Bytes EDU [Web log post]. Retrieved from http://www.techbytesedu.com/2/post/2013/11/cloud-classrooms-next-big-thing-in-education.html

Ch 7 Fun With Flickr

All I think of when using photographs in my work is the old saying, "a picture is worth a thousand words".  Flickr is one of the leading picture/photo websites in the world and enhances learning for both students and teachers when used properly. 

The part of the chapter that caught my eye was the section on using Google Earth/Maps with Flickr.  Tagging photos to exact points on the earth.  I teach a lot of geography, and this feature makes things a lot more interesting.  Flickr images enhance learning in both physical and cultural geography.  Flickr also has a map tool for easy use, and you can see what other photos were used in the past to mark a spot on the map.


Reference: Richardson, W. (2010) Blogs, wikis, podcasts, and other powerful web tools for classrooms. Thousand Oaks, California: Corwin.

Innovative Purchase Model for e-Books Launched

E-Books are possibly the best invention to enter the mainstream in years.  Every kid I know that has an e-book tends to read more and enjoy what they are reading.  The Gale Reference Library has a new e-book platform that will be used for unlimited and simultaneous usage of e-books with no checkout restrictions.  The platform they are using is based on a usage driven acquisition model which means;

"Customers interested in the UDA model will make an upfront deposit (minimums apply) and will get complete access to the full line of Gale and Gale imprint e-titles, roughly 2,000 titles, for six months. At the end of the six month period, e-books with the greatest usage will be automatically added permanently to the library’s GVRL collection and deducted from the library’s initial deposit. Once an e-book is purchased, libraries have unlimited, simultaneous use of the title." (Innovative)

I still love libraries and some of the new virtual libraries like Gale are worth a look.

References:

Cengage Learning - Gale - Gale Virtual Reference Library (GVRL). (2013). Retrieved November 7, 2013, from http://www.cengage.com/search/showresults.do?N=197+4294904997

 Innovative Purchase Model for e-Books Launched. (2013, November 7). Retrieved November 7, 2013, from http://www.techlearning.com/Default.aspx?tabid=67&entryid=6722

 

 

 

Some Education Humor

35 Reasons to OUTLAW Homeschooling!

Sometimes you just need to laugh.

Chapter 3 Weblogs: Get Started!

I focused on how to add pictures and other forms of media to Blogger.  It is really very simple to add pictures to your post and I highly recommend it.  It makes the post more interesting especially if your students are viewing it as an assignment.  Just remember when you show them how to do it, you follow the regulations for safety and copyrights.  While experimenting using this section of the chapter I was able to post video as well.  Most Blogs have enough space and allow uploading media.  A couple great blog sites mentioned were Edublogs.org and 21Casses.com.  I checked both sites out and they are either free or very inexpensive, both look simple to use.

Reference: Richardson, W. (2010) Blogs, wikis, podcasts, and other powerful web tools for classrooms. Thousand Oaks, California: Corwin.

A Great Tool to Add Audio Feedback

 

If you are an avid user of Google Docs this is for you.  This is a way you can leave audio feedback on papers created through Google.  The name of the program is Kaizena, and here is a quick video to explain things better;

 

 

 

Reference:

Kharbach, M. (2013, October 30). A Great Tool To Add Audio Feedback to Google Docs ~ Educational

     Technology and Mobile Learning. Retrieved October 30, 2013, from

     http://www.educatorstechnology.com/2013/10/a-great-tool-to-add-audio-feedback-to.html

Just Ask: Harnessing the Power of Student Curiosity

Interesting article that gives the student a little say so in their own education.  Never really thought about asking a student what they want to learn?  It seem like a good idea that could have some very promising results. 

Exploration, Discovery and Engagement

Here are four steps to make this happen in your classroom:
1.Ask the students what they want to learn.
2.Give them time to explore their ideas.
3.Guide them through their exploration.
4.Connect it to your curriculum.

There is obviously a lot to do and standards to meet, but taking a little time each day or week to let the students teach or explain what interests them could possibly make them more interested in the subject as a whole. 

Reference:

 

Just Ask: Harnessing the Power of Student Curiosity | Edutopia. (2013, October 29). Retrieved 
     October 29, 2013, from http://www.edutopia.org/blog/just-ask-power-student-curiosity-
     nicholas-provenzano