Kosmos

Wiki Contrabution pt. 2

2010-04-19T13:33:00.000-07:00

Here is the link to my lesson plan on our class wiki.

Lulu Lesson

Video Project

2010-04-19T13:22:00.000-07:00

So, when I embedded the clip, it cut off a large portion of it. It may just be easier to watch it from You Tube. The link for it is listed below.

Hamlet

Video Project

2010-04-19T13:21:00.000-07:00

Wiki Contrabution

2010-04-12T16:18:00.000-07:00

I was really impressed with the Wiki. I like the concept of bringing together everyone's information in one, localized space. As we are using it, its a great space to collaborate ideas and share valuable sources. in the classroom, it would be intriguing to have a class wiki page. As an English teacher, if I assigned a research paper or involved project, many students could collaborate what they have already found. Also, a wiki would come in handy for group projects, especially when conflicting schedules prevent students from meeting or working together in person. So much can be shared or one single site.

Blogs from my Google Reader...

2010-04-12T16:15:00.000-07:00

So, I did not post any blog or site from my Google Reader on the class Wiki site. Unfortunately, the blogs and sites I chose at the beginning of the semester did not prove very useful. I have enjoyed looking at the useful links some of my classmates have posted, though. Seems they had better luck than me!

Internet Safety Discussion

2010-04-12T10:21:00.000-07:00

I called my Dad and we had a great discussion on the "digital revolution" and what it means for both parents and children. We have discussed computer safety before, and it was interesting to discuss what I read from the prophets (in particular, Elder Bednar's comments on virtual self versus physical self) as well as the documentary I watched. We discussed the changes he has personally seen, from experiencing the shift from handwritten documents to the first real push for corporate e-mails ten years ago. There are so many variables to look at as well as the accompanying paradoxes. Some parents strive to limit the time spent on computers, but how possible is that, really, when more and more assignments are conducted solely by internet or technological systems. There is a great need for order, but where do you draw the line? It was really interesting to get his perspective, as one who watched it all change at a more mature age. It was a great discussion, especially as we were able to combine behaviors and habits which deserve intervention and scenarios which may demand restriction or moderation.

Internet Safety

2010-04-12T09:48:00.000-07:00

Wow, I watched the documentary "Growing Up Online" and it was very fascinating. It was an hour long, and I don't know exactly what I could say to sum it up succinctly. There was an interesting paradox between parents trying too hard and not trying hard enough. There was an example of a boy whose mother was almost obsessed with protection. I agree with some of her methods, such as placing the computer in the kitchen, however, her constant nagging her son about it destroyed their relationship to the point that they hardly speak and the son never shares anything with his mother anymore. No matter the motivation, if the effect is this detrimental, the attitude and actions of the parents deserve examination. However, there was another example of a boy who seemed normal, but at age 13 committed suicide. It was sad to watch the father find answers to his son's unexpected suicide online, especially in researching the disturbing sites he frequented. The two contrasting examples have given me a lot more to think about regarding the measures parents take to protect their children. On one hand, you don't want to alienate your children from you. But on the other, you don't want to find out too late that your child was suffering from severe depression that led to a completely preventable suicide. A lot to take in.

IP&T Compitition

2010-04-10T20:19:00.001-07:00

As I was unable to attend the actually presentations, I have been catching up with the recordings found on the class website. There was one in particular that I especially liked. Apparently, there is a standardized test for fifth graders which involves writing a persuasive essay. As a result, however, the teachers tend to be teaching toward the test only, while children are loosing genuine learning experiences as their sole focus become the results of a test. The BYU students seem to be finding ways to teach in a setting which would help children develop the necessary skills, while also incorporating elements necessary for continual learning experiences. I really liked that technology, as the students suggest, can be used in an appropriate setting to both prepare the children for competency on what is sure to be an important test, though at the same time, ensuring they still receive meaningful instruction and genuine class time. I really liked their suggestions of integrating search engines, Google Docs, and Mighty Writers to continually focus on the needs of these children.

Storyboard

2010-03-15T12:23:00.000-07:00

For my project, I will compile a visual introduction to Hamlet. I have selected pictures, quotes, and will also use a video clip, as well as select audio to accompany the visual.

Storyboard

Copyright Assignment

2010-03-08T11:16:00.001-08:00

For this project, I selected two videos from TeacherTube. Sorry, they didn't format perfectly, but they are still watchable. The first one is a skit by Abbot and Costello playing around with math. It was very entertaining, and played around quite a bit with common errors made with division, multiplication, and addition. In reviewing Copyright standards, I had to determine whether or not it served an educational purpose. Although it is fairly slapstick comedy, there was still some educational gain from watching the short clip. It gives excellent examples of what not to do, so in that sense, I found it worth while. It exceeded the time limits by just a little bit, taking 3 min 06 sec, instead of the normally allotted 3 minutes. Also, the teacher did not include any sort of citation, leaving viewers with no idea who produced the clip, what larger work it is a part of, or any clue or assistance to find it again. Also, because no citation was included, I have no idea whether the clip was legitimately used or otherwise. While there are some major oversights in this example, I found there was both entertainment and educational value to the clip.

The second video is far more complex; it is a visual hodgepodge of pictures and clips taken from who knows where. there is some definite breach in Copyright as Billy Joel's entire song "We Didn't Start the Fire" is used against the backdrop of historical and pop cultural images. In that regard, some value is lost as the song may be accessed freely across the internet without any need of purchase. The queston of images, however, is too much for myself to fully answer. There are so many clips and pictures, I would have no way of saying what was fair use and what was not. Again, no citation was recorded, so the collage of posters and video clips could not be found again without great effort. I remember the Copyright video discussing some limitations on pictures used in any one presentation, however, in this case, I can understand the excessive use. I found it strangly educational. In watching posters, magazine covers, historical pictures, and short video clips across the screen, I took in the world in a nutshell. It was breif, but the format used also emphasized the changing technologies of the time, the cultural movement, the jumping of social issues in such a fast-paced manner that I did find actual educationial value. However, that does not exuse away the other obvious breaches in Copyright law.

Copyright Assignment: Abbot and Costello Math Problems

2010-03-08T11:11:00.000-08:00

Copyright Assignment: We Didn't Start The Fire

2010-03-08T10:54:00.000-08:00

2010-03-01T13:09:00.000-08:00

I revised my original plan. Instead of Wordclay, I found Lulu a lot more helpful. I even created my own book on Lulu just to make sure I understood the procedure. I'm not sure exactly how to report that, but I was able to go through all of the steps necessary, and could easily do so in a classroom setting as a demo. I also revised my assignment, which can be located under Forms and Docs on my class website.

One question I still have regarding this assigment is how to report on what I have used. I became very familiar with Lulu but I have no idea how to report on it. i did create a book using the steps they provided, but, again, do not know how to 'complete' this assignment.

If there is anything I need to do besides posting the assignment page, please let me know!

2010-02-22T11:17:00.000-08:00

This week I wrote a basic outline for the publishing assigment. I posted it on my site under Forms and Docs: Short Story Assignment-Publishing Project. I then went to Wordplay to check it out a bit more, but the site kept having problems and wouldn't let me register on the site, so I wasn't able to learn much more about Wordplay. Then I went to Lulu to check it out instead, but I am not sure if I like their conditions for registration, expecially if I would want an an entire classroom to register individually.

2010-02-16T13:35:00.000-08:00

For the upcoming assignment, I have decided to provide Wordclay for the classroom. I really like the idea of modivating students to work hard towards something they love. I know a lot of students with amazing talent who may lack comviction or modivation to work hard towards a desired end. I'm excited to learn more about Wordclay and understand the excitement it could provide to help students have a greater confidence and interest in writing.

2010-02-16T13:30:00.000-08:00

My class website is MissFrostClassroom . It is presented as a high school teacher's website. I actually enjoyed playing with the media for the site. I geared everything towards assignments in George Orwell's 1984, and was able to create a poster and find a movie trailer that seemed to fit with it well.

Google Reader

2010-01-25T12:51:00.001-08:00

I found a great number of helpful resources on Google Reader.

The first is NCTE Comprehensive News Feed which seems to be a great connecting tool for teachers and educators nationwide. It is written by Deborah and has links pertaining specifically for elementary, middle, secondary, and college teachers.

My second subscription is Cool Cat Teacher Blog, a more relaxed, fun source which also deals with technology in the classroom and a variety of related ideas.

Next, Discussion Forum, which is just that: a forum for teachers to connect, toss around questions and ask for ideas. As I am preparing to teach English myself, I see this as a very helpful tool to see the questions that come and see the problems or concerns that often arise.

And then, eLearn Magazine. I love this one. It is all about using technology to teach. It's main page reads, "Education and Technology in Perspective," and that is exactly what it is. It lists ways utilize technology in a teaching mode and even offers training on how to do so.

Next, The Power of Educational Technology. Also, another great source for how to utilize technology in an educational manner. As with eLearn Magazine, it is full with insights for how to use the influx of new technological tools.

The Thinking Stick. This is the blog of Jeff Utecht from Bangkok, Thailand. Some of his recent blogs are exploring the radical shift towards complete screen exposure. Along with these articles, he includes posts regarding teaching and learning seminars which should also be an interesting read.

Chinese Forums is next on my list. This page is designed for those continuing their understanding of Mandarin Chinese. They are able to post questions, discuss the problems others seem to have, and even discuss the opportunities available to use this language.

I also included news pages, such as the New York Times, the International New York Times, and the BBC News Asia-Pacific, along with the blog of my group-mate, Christie Cochrane. I really enjoy the news, and love to be up to date with the events happening at home as well as world wide.

My adds to my page

2010-01-11T09:34:00.000-08:00

So, if I understood our assignment correctly, I am supposed to give a brief explanation of the additions I made to my blog. Well, I was able to upload some pictures, one of myself at an aquarium, and another picture I took of a statue in a park in Taiwan. I also chose to add fish. I love pictures, so I chose some of my favorites to look at, and I liked the movement the fish brought to the blog. I attempted to add one of my favorite songs from YouTube, but it turned out to be a horrible failure. Perhaps we can go over how to provide other links in class?
I was suprised that I enjoyed this project more than I anticipated. It probably took me a great deal longer than it should have, but I did try, and am pleased with the outcome.

About Me

2010-01-09T13:42:00.001-08:00

I suppose I should probably share a bit about myself. I am currently a junior studying English teaching at Brigham Young University. I love literature, and hope to help others cultivate that same love and appreciation. I recently returned from a mission to Taiwan and am continuing my study of Mandarin Chinese as well.
I am not the greatest fan of technology. I prefer the handwritten letter to e-mail, but I suppose this whole experience will be quite good for me. I hope this will help me develop a greater confidence with technology and expand my horizons as I see technology's potential in furthering education. I hope I don't sound too pessimestic, I am eager to learn. I suppose this class is a great jumping-off point.

2010-01-04T15:49:00.001-08:00

This is my first post