I was scanning new tweets tonight and found this link posted during a #elemchat. It has an interactive glog with links to tools. Many are the same as on other lists and from our class, but may spark another idea or use. The glog is pretty cool in itself. Enjoy (in the free time you have left before school starts again)!
http://webtools4u2use.wikispaces.com/
Thursday, July 22, 2010
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
D2L Discussion reflection
It's so interesting to me to that so many people from different parts of the country can come together for a common experience without ever being together physically. We all know the advantages of online classes; but when it is successful, as I feel this class has been, it's a great thing to watch happen and participate in (that probably explains why I like to teach online now and then!). We have all had a lot of similar experiences it seems in learning new tools, coming to grips with our pre-conceived ideas, and gaining confidence. Yet, there seems to be a lot of diversity in the tools we have chosen to showcase or use in our final projects. This reinforces for me the idea that my students will have their personal preferences; tools that will make sense to them or motivate them. I hope to give them some choice in the tools that they use for projects.
The blog as display and comment platform has been one of the best things in this class. As a place for forced reflection, but also as a resource. Seeing what everyone else has been doing and their trials and tips has been a source of inspiration, and really helped me get through some of the tools. More importantly; to see good applications of the tools. We all seem to have learned so much from each other's experiences.
Most everyone also expressed the need for trying out the tools and how overwhelming the list is. It's so easy to get lost in searching and playing with the technology and I think we all experienced that. This also informs my project and use of tools. I think that I want to give my students choice, but from a short list so they can try them and choose more quickly.
I think what we all take with us is the importance of the collaborative aspect of using the tools. It's kind of ironic, since doing science is a very collaborative endeavor, that we often overlook that in the classroom. I think that the major reason this class is so successful is because of the collaboration and communication of the instructor and all the participants. Can you imagine trying to do this all on your own? I can't, and I haven't, even though I knew I should learn about them. So, thanks again Dr. Brunsell and everyone. Looking forward to staying in touch via twitter, and #scichat, Teaching science 2.0, Edutopia, and our blogs--hope you plan on keeping them going.
The blog as display and comment platform has been one of the best things in this class. As a place for forced reflection, but also as a resource. Seeing what everyone else has been doing and their trials and tips has been a source of inspiration, and really helped me get through some of the tools. More importantly; to see good applications of the tools. We all seem to have learned so much from each other's experiences.
Most everyone also expressed the need for trying out the tools and how overwhelming the list is. It's so easy to get lost in searching and playing with the technology and I think we all experienced that. This also informs my project and use of tools. I think that I want to give my students choice, but from a short list so they can try them and choose more quickly.
I think what we all take with us is the importance of the collaborative aspect of using the tools. It's kind of ironic, since doing science is a very collaborative endeavor, that we often overlook that in the classroom. I think that the major reason this class is so successful is because of the collaboration and communication of the instructor and all the participants. Can you imagine trying to do this all on your own? I can't, and I haven't, even though I knew I should learn about them. So, thanks again Dr. Brunsell and everyone. Looking forward to staying in touch via twitter, and #scichat, Teaching science 2.0, Edutopia, and our blogs--hope you plan on keeping them going.
Wk 6 Web tools
Well, this is not my most successful week! I have a short video that I am trying to create a podcast with. I had trouble converting the video to something I could edit. Tried windows movie and Zamzar, but couldn't edit the video. Finally, opened a trial of Adobe elements. Now I'm trying to figure out editing, I've been trying to cut a small portion out but it cuts the wrong section, changes the narration....ay yi yi. I've also added a few images and want to voice over those. So, I don't have a product to show yet and maybe never will at this rate! I can upload the original video and embed it in my blog, but I've done that and now I want to be able to edit and create a complete product. I can actually have folks at school help with this, but I want to be able to do some basics myself. So, any tips? Wish me luck, if I get something slightly what I want I will share it, otherwise, lichens may remain a mystery....
On a good note, I've been collecting so much "stuff" with diigo! I love it! I'm still not very organized...aka, still not in love with Googlereader, but haven't had time to really get my feedly organized. Other good news--my college will be either updating our BB to a new version or switching to a hosted version of Moodle (any insight on which you like better?). Either one that we pick will have wikis and blogs and eportfolio functions. So, I'm really excited about that--I won't have to start completely from scratch, will be able to keep control over users, and will be able to track usage. Yay! With this in mind, I'm changing some things about my final project--probably have a classroom blog instead of individual blogs, and then have individual blogs or eportfolios once we change our CMS, or rather our LMS (Learning Management System as we are calling them now I guess instead of Course MS).
So, not all pulling of hair and gnashing of teeth this week!
On a good note, I've been collecting so much "stuff" with diigo! I love it! I'm still not very organized...aka, still not in love with Googlereader, but haven't had time to really get my feedly organized. Other good news--my college will be either updating our BB to a new version or switching to a hosted version of Moodle (any insight on which you like better?). Either one that we pick will have wikis and blogs and eportfolio functions. So, I'm really excited about that--I won't have to start completely from scratch, will be able to keep control over users, and will be able to track usage. Yay! With this in mind, I'm changing some things about my final project--probably have a classroom blog instead of individual blogs, and then have individual blogs or eportfolios once we change our CMS, or rather our LMS (Learning Management System as we are calling them now I guess instead of Course MS).
So, not all pulling of hair and gnashing of teeth this week!
Sunday, July 18, 2010
Old Tech at Caltech
So I was at Caltech yesterday to listen to a Scottish folk band. It was in a lecture hall--Brickman Auditorium (not such a good venue though the music was great), and I was struck by this: chalk and a chalkboard, obviously well and currently used. Keeps things in perspective, sometimes low tech is ok; and a reminder to use technology when it's useful and helpful to the students. Will this help me edit my big ideas and overambition and overload?
Thursday, July 15, 2010
Oil tagxedo
Another Tagxedo from a news article on the oilspill and wildlife deaths, it's now my facebook profile pic:
http://www.upi.com/Science_News/2010/07/15/Scientists-seek-clues-to-oil-spill-kills/UPI-13181279221421/
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