If I'm to be completely honest I'm still not sold on the educational value of the webquest for my discipline. They strike me as more enrichment activities, technological rewards to be offered up when the class work is done. If I can teach my lesson in 3 steps and 2 days why stretch it out to 5 or 6 steps and as many days so that it's got more tech in it?! If technology is just another tool in the teacher's toolbox then it shouldn't be any more important or used more often than any other tool? I've seen several Web 2.0 apps I like and will use in my future classroom (or some better derivation available at that time). I'm not sure that I would use a webquest unless forced or came up with a far better one than I've seen for English yet.
I think that as multi-disciplinary collaborative project between teachers/ subjects it has more value. I think that our webquest shows how such far reaching subjects as writing, gym and art can be combined in a way to highlight the strengths of each & provide a educational and creative experience for the students. In these project situations we can use the webquest to achieve a combined goal that would otherwise be difficult when mixing different disciplines. There is educational value in that.
Sunday, May 25, 2014
Saturday, May 17, 2014
Chapter 15
After reading chapter 15 the app I am most likely to us is BrainPop. Megan covered that on her blog last week. So I'm going to talk about my 2nd favorite - Dragon Naturally Speaking. It's a speech to text program. It allows users to have their spoken words translated into text. It's gained some popularity, I saw it advertised a few months ago on TV. It was marketed as hands free, time saver. For the classroom it could be used to help students who have problems typing or who find it difficult to place their words on the page. In this case it might make a great 1st draft application. Student gets ideas down and can go back and re-write/ organize in a more standard way. It would also allow students who physically can't type to still write papers.
It could also make an interesting project. Recording speeches it would allow the students to see what they said during their speech and allow them to compare and contrast what was actually said to what they intended to say. Creating an interesting opportunity for examining speeches as written vs. spoken statements.
It could also make an interesting project. Recording speeches it would allow the students to see what they said during their speech and allow them to compare and contrast what was actually said to what they intended to say. Creating an interesting opportunity for examining speeches as written vs. spoken statements.
Sunday, May 11, 2014
1,2,3,4 & 5 Peeves
1. Bad color contrast - hard to read. If you can't read it you'll never know whether its worth it, because who's trudge through it... It needs to be at least neutral if not captivating.
2. Made up words! You can not just stick 2 words together and decide it's a word - I'm talking to you techies. Nothing pulls me out of what I'm reading like goofy words.
3. Bad organization - whether its bad internal links, poor site mapping or ideas don't flow logically it's hard to frequent a poorly organized site. I'm not into 'data mining'.
4. Ads - They always them to be strangely unconnected to the website I'm visiting. Why would a comic book nerd care about getting classic car parts?! Distracting! Or of questionable moral standing...
5. Dead links on their links page. If you put on your page check it once in a while....
I don't think any of these are really new or original. Stylistically there's millions of options and sadly most are at best bad, with a large portion being awful.
Disclaimer - my website arcanalore.com (long since gone) was horribly put together by me to look like and old dusty tome. So I'm former bad web designer. Hang head low and leave in shame...
2. Made up words! You can not just stick 2 words together and decide it's a word - I'm talking to you techies. Nothing pulls me out of what I'm reading like goofy words.
3. Bad organization - whether its bad internal links, poor site mapping or ideas don't flow logically it's hard to frequent a poorly organized site. I'm not into 'data mining'.
4. Ads - They always them to be strangely unconnected to the website I'm visiting. Why would a comic book nerd care about getting classic car parts?! Distracting! Or of questionable moral standing...
5. Dead links on their links page. If you put on your page check it once in a while....
I don't think any of these are really new or original. Stylistically there's millions of options and sadly most are at best bad, with a large portion being awful.
Disclaimer - my website arcanalore.com (long since gone) was horribly put together by me to look like and old dusty tome. So I'm former bad web designer. Hang head low and leave in shame...
Tech Integration Strategy #1
Chapter 9 Tech in English and Language Arts
I liked several of the strategies presented in chapter 9, blogging (we can all see the value in that right here) digital storytelling (see my chapter 12 post) but the one I want talk about is concept mapping. It's basically a visual diagram of an outline. See page 288 of text for an example.
Inspiration see their website.
We all know about different learning styles, so I think you can follow me when I say that this visual layout of what a student wants to write could be very beneficial to all the visual learners who have trouble with writing assignments. This let's them 'layout' their thoughts and plans in a manner that is more meaningful to them. Even kinesthetic learners could benefit from the ability to see their ideas and 'move' them around.
Traditional outlining is by its nature linear, concept mapping on the other hand is very non-linear in its format. This non-linear approach means that ideas can flow freely without the constraint of not 'fitting' at a given time. Once all ideas are listed the student can craft the final writing.
In the class room I see a couple possibilities... Obviously straight up 'outline' for a paper or creative writing. Also, could be used to check understanding of a literature reading without requiring a formal quiz or written assignment. The visual map would be quick to evaluate for a teacher.
I liked several of the strategies presented in chapter 9, blogging (we can all see the value in that right here) digital storytelling (see my chapter 12 post) but the one I want talk about is concept mapping. It's basically a visual diagram of an outline. See page 288 of text for an example.
Inspiration see their website.
We all know about different learning styles, so I think you can follow me when I say that this visual layout of what a student wants to write could be very beneficial to all the visual learners who have trouble with writing assignments. This let's them 'layout' their thoughts and plans in a manner that is more meaningful to them. Even kinesthetic learners could benefit from the ability to see their ideas and 'move' them around.
Traditional outlining is by its nature linear, concept mapping on the other hand is very non-linear in its format. This non-linear approach means that ideas can flow freely without the constraint of not 'fitting' at a given time. Once all ideas are listed the student can craft the final writing.
In the class room I see a couple possibilities... Obviously straight up 'outline' for a paper or creative writing. Also, could be used to check understanding of a literature reading without requiring a formal quiz or written assignment. The visual map would be quick to evaluate for a teacher.
Tech Integration Idea #2
For my second chapter i chose Chapter 12 Social Studies.
I chose social studies for my second area because I see a lot of potential for crossover lessons with literature. Some works of literature need historical and political context to be properly evaluated and understood (ex. Gulliver's Travels - each of the peoples Gulliver meets actually represent political parties at the time). Also, because one of the primary responsibilities of English is to teach the new literacy - which include evaluation of information and it's source (like we talked about in class the student paper that used a website that advocated that the Holocaust was a hoax) a primary concern in the teaching of social science and technology.
I really liked the digital storytelling theme suggested in chapter 12. Most of our myths and legends were all oral stories for centuries before they were written down, and even for a long while after since most people weren't literate. It reminds me of the skalds and bards of old, but instead of the wandering minstrel spreading their story about the country, the story spreads via the web and the 'new bard' stays put.
You can see some examples at The Oral History Society and Voice Thread
I can see this concept being used in an English for discussion of say Beowulf - an anonymous written poem that dates back a few centuries before it was finally written down in old English. Have students develop their own oral stories, perhaps even a digital version of the 'telephone game'. Students record their oral histories, listen to their fellows and then record their version. Students would get to see first hand how bards stories changed between tellers and iterations.
Other cool digital storytelling ideas come from Center for Digital Storytelling & Digitales which focus on short films and videos.
I chose social studies for my second area because I see a lot of potential for crossover lessons with literature. Some works of literature need historical and political context to be properly evaluated and understood (ex. Gulliver's Travels - each of the peoples Gulliver meets actually represent political parties at the time). Also, because one of the primary responsibilities of English is to teach the new literacy - which include evaluation of information and it's source (like we talked about in class the student paper that used a website that advocated that the Holocaust was a hoax) a primary concern in the teaching of social science and technology.
I really liked the digital storytelling theme suggested in chapter 12. Most of our myths and legends were all oral stories for centuries before they were written down, and even for a long while after since most people weren't literate. It reminds me of the skalds and bards of old, but instead of the wandering minstrel spreading their story about the country, the story spreads via the web and the 'new bard' stays put.
You can see some examples at The Oral History Society and Voice Thread
I can see this concept being used in an English for discussion of say Beowulf - an anonymous written poem that dates back a few centuries before it was finally written down in old English. Have students develop their own oral stories, perhaps even a digital version of the 'telephone game'. Students record their oral histories, listen to their fellows and then record their version. Students would get to see first hand how bards stories changed between tellers and iterations.
Other cool digital storytelling ideas come from Center for Digital Storytelling & Digitales which focus on short films and videos.
Sunday, May 4, 2014
hangouts and 2.0 other things...
So for my power point presentation I had Google (it's everywhere) Hangouts... Hanging Out Go ahead take a moment to enjoy the presentation, I'll just wait here... Twiddling my thumbs... (time passes) Wow! I had time to watch Lord of the Rings - extra freakin' long edition.
In simplest terms Google Hangouts is a virtual meeting room. I have personally used it to play an rpg (role-playing game) with some people in other states. It's superior to our previous game app (Skype) because none of us are in the same location. Skype had some video limitations with multiple users. Hangouts is much more robust. It allows for real-time communications and pictures. Once I started digging into the educational uses i was bombarded with a plethora of interesting articles to explore. Google has a whole line of "Eduoinars" (rant for a minute. I want to talk about making up words. As an English major I have an issue, okay volumes, of annoyance with just 'slapping' 2 words together to make a "new" word. Just because you can spell it, define it and use it in a sentence - a word you don not have - I'd like to thank Yoda for the last bit on this May the 4th be with you. end rant) designed to educate educators about using the hangouts and it's other Web 2.0 apps. I went through a couple and they all seemed good. The link is in my power point. I see hangouts as a real boon to group work, both long-term and short-term, and as potential way to overcome snow days and other acts of nature that affect teaching time.
I really like what were using right here and now - Blogger - I know, I know I'm shill for Google. This one is really simple and kind of daily writing assignment can be viewed and graded without lugging around dozens and dozens of notebooks. Assuming you have computer access in your classroom, you could give quizzes or daily assignments without killing trees or braking your back carrying them around. I really like the idea of just having them write some everyday... that's how you get better.
Let's see if i can find another Google app to love... Google Docs (surprised?!). I've used this some too. In years past I demonstrated games for game companies at GenCon (game geek Christmas) a yearly convention held in Indianapolis, IN. A few times I was passed my demo papers via google-docs. Where we would collaborate on the adventure to weed out errors, problems and stuff that wasn't fun. It's very easy to use and edit work as a group. If your school doesn't have a joule like (ONU) google docs presents a free way to allow students to submit work electronically. I'll say it again anything that cuts down on paper and the subsequent carrying of that paper is good!
So you have to download the power point from the joule site, if I did this right....
Okay I sent all of you links to my google docs website were the first item is my power point, 05/05/14 at 7:11 pm
In simplest terms Google Hangouts is a virtual meeting room. I have personally used it to play an rpg (role-playing game) with some people in other states. It's superior to our previous game app (Skype) because none of us are in the same location. Skype had some video limitations with multiple users. Hangouts is much more robust. It allows for real-time communications and pictures. Once I started digging into the educational uses i was bombarded with a plethora of interesting articles to explore. Google has a whole line of "Eduoinars" (rant for a minute. I want to talk about making up words. As an English major I have an issue, okay volumes, of annoyance with just 'slapping' 2 words together to make a "new" word. Just because you can spell it, define it and use it in a sentence - a word you don not have - I'd like to thank Yoda for the last bit on this May the 4th be with you. end rant) designed to educate educators about using the hangouts and it's other Web 2.0 apps. I went through a couple and they all seemed good. The link is in my power point. I see hangouts as a real boon to group work, both long-term and short-term, and as potential way to overcome snow days and other acts of nature that affect teaching time.
I really like what were using right here and now - Blogger - I know, I know I'm shill for Google. This one is really simple and kind of daily writing assignment can be viewed and graded without lugging around dozens and dozens of notebooks. Assuming you have computer access in your classroom, you could give quizzes or daily assignments without killing trees or braking your back carrying them around. I really like the idea of just having them write some everyday... that's how you get better.
Let's see if i can find another Google app to love... Google Docs (surprised?!). I've used this some too. In years past I demonstrated games for game companies at GenCon (game geek Christmas) a yearly convention held in Indianapolis, IN. A few times I was passed my demo papers via google-docs. Where we would collaborate on the adventure to weed out errors, problems and stuff that wasn't fun. It's very easy to use and edit work as a group. If your school doesn't have a joule like (ONU) google docs presents a free way to allow students to submit work electronically. I'll say it again anything that cuts down on paper and the subsequent carrying of that paper is good!
So you have to download the power point from the joule site, if I did this right....
Okay I sent all of you links to my google docs website were the first item is my power point, 05/05/14 at 7:11 pm
Saturday, April 26, 2014
Greek Mythology Tabloid!
We live in a world where tabloids have over run us. The rapid, in your face nature of it appeals to students. They like the salaciousness and the bigger then life antics of the famous for being famous crowd that frequent the articles and news reports. What more over the top literary genre can you get then Greek mythology. Gods, heroes and monsters living, fighting and loving their larger than normal lives.
This webquest brings together Greek mythology and tabloids, it allows for multiple disciplines (the artist, the writer, the computer whiz, and the spatial learner) to all have their moments to shine. There's a writing aspect for all the students. They have freedom to chose the actual gods & heroes they discover in there webquest.
For me it covers important aspects of creation and freedom of choice. It covers several levels of Bloom's Taxonomy and creates a co-operative learning situation - part of the rubric mentions whether or not students had to be prompted by their peers to contribute their portions. The students are accountable on a additional level to each other.
This webquest is the best at combining real world interests with educational goals!
here's the link
http://questgarden.com/45/47/9/070105194800/t-index.htm
We live in a world where tabloids have over run us. The rapid, in your face nature of it appeals to students. They like the salaciousness and the bigger then life antics of the famous for being famous crowd that frequent the articles and news reports. What more over the top literary genre can you get then Greek mythology. Gods, heroes and monsters living, fighting and loving their larger than normal lives.
This webquest brings together Greek mythology and tabloids, it allows for multiple disciplines (the artist, the writer, the computer whiz, and the spatial learner) to all have their moments to shine. There's a writing aspect for all the students. They have freedom to chose the actual gods & heroes they discover in there webquest.
For me it covers important aspects of creation and freedom of choice. It covers several levels of Bloom's Taxonomy and creates a co-operative learning situation - part of the rubric mentions whether or not students had to be prompted by their peers to contribute their portions. The students are accountable on a additional level to each other.
This webquest is the best at combining real world interests with educational goals!
here's the link
http://questgarden.com/45/47/9/070105194800/t-index.htm
Tuesday, April 22, 2014
A modest proposal...
Greetings classmates,
This is my intro blog. This is Andrew. Harker is the name on my google account so i just borrowed it for the blog too.
This is the first step on our combined journey to Digital Domination!
Andrew
This is my intro blog. This is Andrew. Harker is the name on my google account so i just borrowed it for the blog too.
This is the first step on our combined journey to Digital Domination!
Andrew
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