Did You Know/Shift Happens

On the YouTube video Did You Know/Shift Happens found at http://thefischbowl.blogspot.com/2007/06/did-you-know-20.html, statistics are given that might astound you. When you look at where we were 20 years ago and where we are now, its mind boggling. The fact that by the time people are 21 years old, they have talked 10,000 hours on the phone is astounding. It’s hard to believe that the general public began using the Internet in 1995. It seems that the Internet has always been a part of our lives.

One fact in the video that stood out to me was that more than 70% of 4 year olds have used a computer. When my daughter was 3, she could already type many words on the computer without help, including her name. She knows where the enter key is and how to print what she has typed. The bottom line is that her relationship with technology has just begun. The world of information is at her fingertips and it’s my job to help her sift through it.

As educators, we need to know our audience. Where are they coming from? What is their point of view? We also need to understand where the world is headed and prepare our students not just to “cope”, but to succeed and be leaders in a world filled with technology.

iTunes U

On Apple’s web site at http://www.apple.com/education/mobile-learning/ iTunes U is described as “the campus that doesn’t sleep.” It is noted that today’s students expect constant access to information. The company touts an “Apple Ecosystem” which encourages institutions of higher education to purchase their computers, mobile devices, etc. from Apple. The company attempts to entice teachers and professors by encouraging the use of iTunes U to “connect with your students in ways they already love.”

On Stanford’s Web site regarding iTunes U (http://itunes.stanford.edu/), it says you can download courses, faculty lectures, interviews, music and sports. You can play on your iPod, Mac or PC, or burn a CD. There are public and private sites. You can go to the public site and access courses, faculty lectures, and more. Access-restricted sites are used for course-based materials and campus community.

I think that a tool such as iTunes U can be very effective for educators and students. iPods can be used to listen to lectures and review lessons. This reinforcement can hopefully lead to more retention. A good Web site for the Best of iTunes University is http://www.learnoutloud.com/content/blog/archives/2007/07/best_of_itunes.html.

Fischbowl: Is it Okay To Be A Technology Illiterate Teacher?

I don't think it's okay for teachers to be technology illiterate for three reason: (1) it is how students often communicate today, (2) we as parents and teachers much protect our children, and (3) it's our job to prepare our students. If students are texting, facebooking, and twittering, how to do we communicate with them if we have no idea what they're talking about. If we don't have knowledge of technology we can't protect them from the dangers of technology. Finally, if we can't equip our students to use technology, they won't be competitive in the workplace and as a society.

I do not, however, agree with the comment by the author that technology illiteracy is equivalent to a teacher 30 years ago who didn't know how to read or write. Technology is not the be-all and end-all. It is an tool. Without reading and writing, it would be difficult to function (read a stop sign or write your name). Using computers helps us do things more efficiently, however, it might also consume our time.

Podcasts

I listened to two podcasts from Dr. Strange's previous EDM 310 classes. The first podcast I listened to was titled "Using Facebook as an Educational Tool gto3so9." A few areas of improvement that I would incorporate into our podcast, would be to sound more professional, make transitions more smooth between sentences, look for an original way to go from one person to another, and have a good outline of what would be covered. I think that professionalism is key in expressing your thoughts on a podcast. The presenters used informal language a lot of time to describe facebook (e.g., things). Transitions between sentences need to be more natural. Presenters often sounded like the information was one long sentence. I think it's also important to transition between presenters in a host format. Maybe one person could introduce each person before their part. Finally, an outline would help the group be more focused and to the point.

The second podcast was entitled "What I learned from 'Shift Happens' BWo618MW." After listening to this podcast, I think our group should give more information on the Shift Happens video and not assume the listener has viewed the video. I also think that microphone positioning is important. Some people were too far from the microphone while others were too close.

New Day

A new day to accomplish goals set and spend time with my family.

Presentation on Scott Thomas

Recital Day

Today is my little girls first recital. We are all very excited and proud of her.

Guitar Time

All is well. I've had my time on my guitar and now ready to face the day, whatever it may have in store for me. I hope all is well with you an your day goes fine.

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Welcome

Hi All,

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