Blogging in Education

ED 647: Web Design and Development for Learning

2011-01-29T07:56:00.000-08:00

I just wanted to let everyone know that I am very glad to be working with so many people who truly love learning and technology. I look forward to the next few weeks with everyone. I think this course is going to be very interesting and practical. I like that many of the things we create in this class will be useful and directly relate to my everyday use. I have used this blog site for other classes. Take a look at some of my other blog posts on technology tools in education. I like that this blog site is now a record of work that I have completed in this program at Wilkes.

Gayle Pattison

Unit 9: Twitter

2010-11-09T15:12:00.001-08:00

I like the idea of using Twitter to follow other teachers who may teach the same content area as I do. I am able to see what others are doing in their classes when they post on Twitter. I can also follow many teachers at once, which allows for ample feedback in specific subject areas. I can see how subjects such as science and social studies that have multiple branches of content could benefit from seeking out resources from other teachers in the same field. Twitter can help teachers to stay up-to-date with current teaching practices and to stay connected in a larger educational community.

Even though, “some schools are beginning to use it as a way to communicate with parents and others in the community (Richardson, 2010)”, I would still be concerned about using Twitter in the classroom. It would be interesting for my math students to follow current mathematicians to see where the information they are learning is actually used.

Richardson, W. (2010). Blogs, wikis, podcasts, and other powerful web tools for classrooms, 3rd. ed.. Thousand Oaks, CA: Corwin Press.

Unit 8: Podcasting

2010-10-31T05:19:00.000-07:00

My podcast

Students can use podcasts to create a fun and engaging product rather than writing or typing a traditional essay. Teachers and students can create podcasts to give step-by-step instructions to someone else. Social studies teachers could have their students do oral histories, interviews, or reenactments of historical events (Richardson, 2010). Foreign language and ESL teachers can use podcasts to help students to develop language skills. Students can also listen to plays or readings of books to use as they read along in a reading class. Every subject can be enhanced through the use of podcasting.

It may take more time to create a podcast than a traditional essay, but the time will be well spent. Teachers can even require a written script that students can create prior to podcasting. This way, teachers also can grade for spelling and grammar. The script can be read into the podcast, which makes the podcast flow more smoothly when played.

Before podcasting, one must have a way to record digital audio. Richardson (2010) recommends “trying it out first”. In other words, practice creating podcasts before assigning a project to students. Teachers should also consider the way students will access the podcasts once they have been created. Some teachers could place the podcasts on their classroom website for all students to access at any time. Podcasts can also be uploaded and played on an iPod.

Richardson, W. (2010). Blogs, wikis, podcasts, and other powerful web tools for classrooms, 3rd. ed.. Thousand Oaks, CA: Corwin Press.

Unit 7: RSS Feeds

2010-10-24T08:05:00.000-07:00

I find I spend a lot of time searching through my favorite websites and reading all of the new and available information. With RSS feeds and the use of Google Reader, all of the updated information is in one place. I still spend time reading through everything, but the major topics are already highlighted. This way I can choose whether to read them now or to take a look at them later.

When students complete research, they are also bombarded with tons of information on topics even if they try to narrow down the search. When students subscribe to RSS feeds, some of the research is completed for them. At least the collection of sources can be narrowed down. With more and more news sources producing feeds for aggregation, the breadth of current events and topic specific research could go along way in assisting them with research or further study (Richardson, 2010). I would still be concerned that inappropriate material or advertisements may get through, but most of these sites would hopefully be blocked by the school’s content filter.

Reference:

Richardson, W. (2010). Blogs, wikis, podcasts, and other powerful web tools for classrooms, 3rd. ed.. Thousand Oaks, CA: Corwin Press.

Unit 6: Wikis

2010-10-22T15:25:00.000-07:00

I have only created one wiki before and it was for another course. Editing the course was not difficult, but I found it necessary to know some HTML to format my page appropriately. I also needed to be aware of what pictures could be added to my site. Wikis are reviewed often for accuracy and copyright concerns. Pictures added to wiki sites can be taken down without notice. The person owning the wiki can see changes made to the page when viewing the history. A wiki owner may also find changes made to the page by other users. The ability to update information as it is happening by multiple users makes wikis a powerful tool to connect the world. Everyday, thousands of people who have no connection to one another engage in the purposeful work of negotiating and creating truth (Richardson, 2010, p. 57).

Depending how a teacher wants to use a wiki in the classroom, there are some things to consider. When using free wiki sites, students may be faced with others posting inappropriate material or making inaccurate changes to the page. If teachers were to use a wiki on a site such as Moodle, the teachers could create the wiki and students would only be able to interact with each other instead of outside changes being made. Just as one would with any online activity, the teacher must explain what might be an appropriate posting.

Once all the problems are considered, there are many educational uses of wikis, too. One of the most obvious ways is to create an online text for your curriculum that you and your students can both contribute to (p. 61). Students can continually update the information as they progress through a course. A wikibook can also be used to showcase student work. Each student can contribute a page relating to the theme of a unit. The end result is a final product that can be used to demonstrate concepts learned throughout a course.

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

Unit 5: Social Bookmarking

2010-10-09T06:52:00.000-07:00

Social bookmarking is a great way for teachers to collaborate with each other. Creating a new social bookmarking page was easy. Teachers have already taken the time to seek out great resources. Using sites such as www.delicious.com would allow these resources to be shared with everyone. One can also search for similar tags which may be helpful in connecting content material across curriculum areas. According to Richardson (2010), "In the process of creating this community, you are participating in the creation of a new way of organizing information" (p. 90).

There are many benefits to social bookmarking. Having the ability to save bookmarks to the internet rather than to a specific computer allows teachers to access the sites from anywhere. With the help of social bookmarking, a community of teachers can share resources through the network feature. This is also a great way for teachers to have a reference of sites when they are needed in the classroom. Students can also benefit from using a bookmarking page to save resources they collect while during research or projects.

References:
Richardson, W. (2010). Blogs, wikis, podcasts, and other powerful Web tools for classrooms. Thousand Oaks, CA: Corwin Press.

Blogging in the Classroom

2010-10-03T07:12:00.000-07:00

Blogging allows students to share information with the world. Blogs can be used to record information and can be updated daily or even multiple times a day. Students can record information as they work on a project and can be reviewed from anywhere once the posting has been put online. Links to other web pages can also be added to the blog. Being able to connect ideas and resources via linking is one of blogging’s most important strengths (Richardson, 2010, p. 19).

Some of my current students have mentioned that they blog everyday at home. They use blogging as a form of expression. Students can practice writing skills and write creatively when blogging. Knowing the information posted on blogs is shared with everyone, students may be more careful to correct mistakes when submitting written work.

When interacting online, Egbert (2009) agrees the safety of the students should also be considered. Allowing students to blog freely on the internet may open up the possibility for inappropriate interaction with the student. At my school, teachers are able to create blog assignments for the students using Moodle where the teacher can monitor postings and create the groups in which students will be interacting. I have not used this tool with my students at this point in time, but I am looking for opportunities to apply blogging in my mathematics classroom.

References:

Egbert, J. (2009). Supporting learning with technology: Essentials of classroom practice. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Education

Richardson, W. (2010). Blogs, wikis, podcasts, and other powerful web tools for classrooms, 3rd. ed.. Thousand Oaks, CA: Corwin Press.

Oprah Winfrey - Post 3

2009-02-15T05:41:00.000-08:00

Oprah Winfrey exemplifies all leadership capacities. She acts with a moral purpose by getting information out to the public and challenging them to use this information. In 2000, Oprah's Angel Network began presenting a $100,000 "Use Your Life Award" to people who are using their lives to improve the lives of others (Academy of Achievement, 2006). Oprah challenges people to improve their current situations and pass it on. Through these challenges, we can see her respect for understanding change.

As a television talk show host, Oprah presents knowledge building and sharing by developing relationships with her audience. The one-time local Chicago newswoman has developed a career and television show that influences and inspires millions of people around the world (Tennant, 2006). Oprah displays coherence making when she provides her audience with information and expects them to “Live their Best Life”. Recently, everything she presents on the show has become a way to improve one’s current situation in life. Experts in different fields also help to send a message of change to the audience.

By presenting topics about health, spirituality and change, Oprah displays her reculturing ability. Each episode is not geared to restructure society, but to possibly change the way we currently do things. Presenting new information and validating it by experts, this information can have a strong impact on the audience and eventually society. Not everyone may agree with the information she presents, but Oprah uses her role in the media to stimulate a new way of thinking. Without people who challenge our current views, we might never change.

References:

Academy of Achievement. (2006, May 5). America’s best beloved friend. Retrieved February 13, 2009, from http://www.achievement.org/autodoc/page/win0bio-1.

Tennant, T. (2006). Overview: The Oprah Winfrey show. Retrieved February 14, 2009, from http://talkshows.about.com/od/oprahwinfrey/gr/OprahShow.htm.

Oprah Winfrey - Post 2

2009-02-14T06:07:00.000-08:00

Leadership, Turning Points and Failure

Oprah Winfrey displays many qualities of a leader. She is a seeker of truth in herself and in others; her empathy, honesty, and love of people have made her one of the most beloved women in America (Academy of Achievement, 2006). Oprah has been through many obstacles in her life including poverty, sexual abuse and early motherhood, but continued to work towards her goals (Borer, 2005). Oprah focused on her strength for journalism while landing jobs at radio and new stations before becoming a talk show host.

Oprah also made a name for herself in the African-American community. Oprah was asked to represent a local radio station as Miss Fire Prevention. Oprah would go on to win the competition and was the first African-American to ever win the contest (Borer, 2005). She is also the first African-American woman to become a billionaire. These successes came with hard work and dedication to a dream.

The failures Oprah has experienced can be linked to personal experiences that shaped who she is today. Things that she had no control over have made her a stronger person. People closest to her have been the ones to hurt her, but she continued to reach for her goals. Perseverance is a needed leadership quality to make it when one’s life is displayed in front of the media. Also, Oprah has the ability to challenge others to make a difference wherever they can.

References:
Academy of Achievement. (2006, May 5). America’s best beloved friend. Retrieved February 13, 2009, from http://www.achievement.org/autodoc/page/win0bio-1.
Borer, E. (2005). A childhood biography of Oprah Winfrey. Retrieved February 13, 2009, from http://oprah.about.com/od/oprahbiography/p/oprahchildhood.htm.

Oprah Winfrey - Post 1

2009-02-14T04:42:00.000-08:00

Background of Oprah Winfrey

I tend to value leaders that are hard-working and are dedicated to achievement in their lives. The leader that I selected to research was Oprah Winfrey. Especially as a child, Oprah had many obstacles to endure. Oprah’s mother worked as a maid cleaning houses, but at times had to rely on welfare to support the family (Krohn, 2005, p. 9). At age 9, Oprah was sexually abused by her cousin, then later on by her uncle and a family friend. Then at age 14, Oprah found out she was pregnant, carried the child to term and then lost the child within two weeks of his birth (Borer, 2005).

Even though these obstacles got in her way, Oprah was still named one of the 100 Most Influential People of the 20th Century by Time magazine, and in 1998 received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences (Academy of Achievement, 2006). Oprah Winfrey was the first African-American woman to become a billionaire. Between her radio shows, television show, magazine and movie roles, Oprah still finds time to give back and uses her public role to influence others. In 2000, Oprah's Angel Network began presenting a $100,000 "Use Your Life Award" to people who are using their lives to improve the lives of others.

I view Oprah as a leader because even though life was challenging in the beginning, she worked hard and persevered. Other individuals might use what happened to them as an excuse to give up. Oprah not only did not give up, but she continues to challenge others to change their lives every day.

References:
Academy of Achievement. (2006, May 5). America’s best beloved friend. Retrieved February 13, 2009, from http://www.achievement.org/autodoc/page/win0bio-1.

Borer, E. (2005). A childhood biography of Oprah Winfrey. Retrieved February 13, 2009, from http://oprah.about.com/od/oprahbiography/p/oprahchildhood.htm.

Krohn, K. (2005). Oprah Winfrey: just the facts. Minneapolis, MN: Lerner Publishing Company.