Wow! I Think I Made it with Technology!

My Webquest Video

Image by Pixabay-PD

 

Photo credits Sugata Mitra, NIIT Limited, India and Newcastle University, UK @flickr.com

Looking back to when I first joined Technology for Teachers 407, I realized I have accomplished a lot in ten weeks.  I think there wasn’t a better method of introducing Project Base Learning (PBL), than first introducing, Dr. Sugata Mitra.  His development of Self-Organized Learning Environments (SOLE) helped me understand, “PBL as a model for classroom activity that shifts away from teacher-centered instruction and emphasizes student-centered projects.” – National Education Association (NEA), Research Spotlight on Project-Based Learning­– teaching strategies.

 

Image by Pixabay-PD

Throughout the use of technology tools related to learning and education, I have found WordPress, Google Apps, and Screencast to be very efficient.  Writing on my blog every week, allowed me to practice thoughtful, cognitive reflection about technology in education and culture.  I think “blogging” about technology in education is the perfect way to stay connected to the world.  Google Drive and SnagIt helped my group and I develop several projects integrating a variety of technologies. Both softwares helped my Book Club Team create our Cell Phone Fairy Tale. I loved the idea that we were able to collaborate and established a single file to help us make our videos. Not to mention, utilizing YouTube to post our videos online, was a splendid idea! In addition, we were able to research, communicate, and collaborate effectively through our Group Wikis to prepare for our WebQuest.

Check-out our Cell Phone Fairy Tell: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLj2YnVn2IG8fIxuWXNy4W39WeGx3FOYqb

Image by Pixabay-PD

 

Now that we have come to the end of our program, we are now ready to put our “smarts” into place. The outcome of the WebQuest suggest, “Research, design, construct, and demonstrate a personally and professionally meaningful educational WebQuest that incorporates technology in a meaningful way.” –Course Syllabus.  That is exactly what Technology for Teachers has prepared us for; to create PBL that will allow students to think critically, collaborate, communicate, and use technology to deepen their knowledge, and help them build skills for the future.

Image by Omar Reyes – 130423 Image With One of Arthur Koestler Quotes on Creativity @flickr.com

What is Copyright?

Image by Pixabay-Public Domain (PD)

 Let’s have a look, shall we?  According to Linda Starr, in Education World, The Educator’s Guide to Copyright and Fair Use, “Copyright laws, therefore, are designed to protect a creator’s right to be compensated and to control how his or her work is used.” To me, this is huge! Before reading about copyright laws, and learning about Creative Commons, I thought copyright laws was not to copy other people’s words. But, now I know that it’s a lot more than that. Starr uses the Dictonary’s.com definition to define what copyright means, “Copyright is the legal right granted to an author, a composer, a playwright, a publisher, or a distributor to exclusive publication, production, sale, or distribution of a literary, musical, dramatic, or artistic work.” So, in reality, this means I can’t just copy an image from google and use it for my blog? Yup! Not anymore.

 

Image by Pixabay-PD

It’s scary to think how many people don’t know about these laws. Just take a look at me for instance; before taking EDUC 407: Learning Technology for Educators, I had no idea that using an image from Google, or any site for that matter, I needed permission by the author. Well, why go through that trouble? Now, I can simply use images from public domains, such us, Pixabay, Flickr, Wikimedia Commons, or any public domain publisher. After watching TED Talk – Lawrence Lessig talk about Laws that choke creativity, I understood the concept about how copyright also affects the use of technology in the classroom. With increasing use of technology, it is becoming much harder for teachers to freely use the internet. Lessig emphasizes how we have become a, “Read Only Culture” -“culture when creativity is consume, but the consumer is not the creator.” He makes a clear point that in order to go back to a “Read-write Culture”-“culture where people participate in the creation and re-creation of their culture,” is for artist to make their work more freely for non-commercial use. This can eliminate the numerous copyright laws teachers have to obey when using technology in the classroom; making technology more fun, creative, and free from copyright laws.

Quote by Albert Einstein and Image by Afagen @ Flickr

 

 

 

 

 

 

www.flickr.com/photos/afagen/475583477/

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Social Media in Education

Image by flickr creative commons

“The teachers and parents who embrace social media say the best way to keep kids safe, online or offline, is to teach them.” –Sarah Keesler in The Case for Social Media in School

What do you think about using social media in schools? My first thought about social media was Facebook or Instagram. But, that’s not the case at all. Social media is far more than just reading about people’s lives; it’s about connecting, collaborating, and participating with others who have common interests. Teachers from all over the globe have the opportunity to include social media that is kid-friendly which eliminates unsafe and inappropriate content. Some of these systems include; Collaboration (Wikispaces Classroom), Blogging (Edublogs), Microblogging (Edmodo), Content sharing, (TeacherTube or YouTube for Schools), Networking (Edmodo).  All of these programs allow students to effectively interact and share common interests. I see a huge role for social media in education. It is highly important for students to be interested in what they learn. Remember what Dr. Sugata Mitra said, “If children have interests, than education happens.” By using kid friendly social media in the classroom, it allows students to connect to the world without fear of inappropriate content. Using social media in the classroom can defiantly spark effective learning. With the innovation of PBL projects, students can effectively collaborate with each other by using tools to express knowledge and interests.

Picture by jencu at Flickr

“Teens are highly tuned in to the “now.” –Clay Shirky. In the future, I plan to implement social media programs that will allow students to stay tune to what’s going on in the world in order to provide an effective learning environment for all.

Cool Tool Duel

 

Image by Wikimedia Commons – Official Schoology logo (Public Domain)

 Isn’t great to have programs online that allow students to access homework assignments, grades on tests, and email their teacher if they have any questions? Well, I have good news, in today’s tech world many schools provide such programs for teachers, students, and parents to connect outside of the classroom.  One Cool Tool Duel that I found on, “50 Essential EdTech Tools By Category”  by Guest Author was, Schoology.  This innovative program allows teachers to manage lessons, engage students, share their content, and connect with other educators. Members are able to use the program for their personal life, or use it to connect to the public.  The coolest part of this program is that it allows teachers from all over the globe to post assignments/project ideas for other educators to access.  If teachers need ideas for PBL projects, they can simply turn to their Schoology search engine, and have access to unlimited resources from other educators.  This program sure levels out the playing field in online resources for teachers. Now, I can see what Thomas L. Friedman meant by Globalization 3.0; “the ability of the individual and small groups to collaborate with different people around the globe.”

Why Schoology

Schoology for Students

In the future, I can see this program being utilize by more school districts. Students would greatly benefit from being able to access lectures and resources for their assignments. Although this program allows teachers, students, and other educators to collaborate and communicate online, it brings a great disadvantage for individuals who do not have access to computers outside of the classroom. In my opinion, if school districts or teachers decide to apply this program to their classrooms, they should accommodate those students who do not have computers or internet access at home.

 

 

 

 

Lets Connect!

Image by Pixabay-Public Domain

Have you ever heard the phrase, “Once it’s up on the cloud, it stays there forever?” Well, it’s true. In today’s tech world, there is software known as Cloudware. This brilliant idea was design to allow users to create and manage their work online with anyone, at anytime, anyplace, and anywhere without having to save, or email. It’s like downloading pictures to Facebook or Instagram; those pictures can forever be on the cloud. As a matter of fact, today, I had a conversation with my colleagues on Skype, and we were able to establish a single file using Google Docs and Google Slides to design our very own, “Cell Phone Fairy Tale.” By creating this project, it allowed us to use Google Apps, SnagIt, and YouTube to design a single presentation. We were all surprised to see how we could type on a single document at the same time, without having to save, or email it to each other. Pretty cool, huh? One of the greatest advantages of Cloudware is utilizing it for Project-Base Learning (PBL). Students work together by using Cloudware to connect, think critically, collaborate, and communicate to deepen their knowledge, and help them build skills for the future.  Here’s a video to give you a glimpse into the world of cloudware.

Why Google Apps?

So, what do you think? I say, “lets connect.”

 

    

 Let’s Touch the Stars by Alfi-Ramadhani– Deviant Art 

 

 

What is Project-Base Learning?

Photo by pixabay- Public Domain

Let’s take a visual tour in today’s modern classroom. There are seven computers and two printers all connected by the school’s wireless network.  In the middle of the classroom, there is a document reader that lights a white screen that comes down from the ceiling. There is a 42inch flat screen TV connected to surround speakers, and a boom box that plays CDs. And, not to mention, the countless smart phones, or tablets used by the students and teachers. That is your 21^st century classroom.  However, do all teachers know how to properly implement these devices in their lesson plans?  The truth of the matter is that many don’t!  Today’s classrooms are filled with technology tools, but are lacking Project-Base Learning (PBL) curriculums.  In the years I have been completing my teaching credentials, I have witnessed only one teacher incorporate Self-Organized Learning projects that incorporate research, communication, and collaboration among the students.  PBL allows students to work together on a project to think critically, collaborate, communicate, and use technology to deepen their knowledge, and help them build skills for the future.

Photo by The Prentice School Educational Assistive Technology Classroom https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:PrenticeEdATclassroom.jpg

Growing up in the 90’s, I don’t remember doing PBL projects.  My teachers would play videos on VCRs, and we would have to write summaries after watching the films.  It was not until college that I learned about PBL.  I was involved in organized teams; using critical thinking pedagogy, collaboration and communication, and using technology as our backbone.  This kind of learning was far more effective than memorizing questions to an exam.

My impression of PBL is quite thought provoked. It reminds me of a five-step science experiment; ask a question, give a hypothesis, complete the procedure, wait for results, and finally, a conclusion. According to, John Larmer and John R. Mergendoller in their article, 8 Essentials for Project-Based Learning, in Educational Leadership, 68(1). © 2010 ASCD, there are eight important steps in PBL; significant content, a need to know, a driving question, student voice & choice, 21st century skills, inquiry & innovation, feedback and revision, and publicly presented project.  All of these steps are crucial procedures in planning PBL projects in the classroom. On the other hand, I think the most important aspect is that teachers who have PBL environments, provide more opportunities for students to think critically to find their true potentials through trial and error.  The only disadvantage of PBL I see, is how to accommodate English language learners, and students with learning disabilities.  I think at the end, that’s the ultimate task for a teacher, finding accommodations and modifications in providing an effective learning environment for all students.

 

      https://www.jisc.ac.uk/rd/projects/learner-experiences-of-technology

References

Boss, S., Krauss, J., (2014) Reinventing project-based learning: your field guide to real- world projects in the digital age. Eugene, Oregon. Printed in the United States of America. ISTE.org

Larmer, J. and Mergendoller, J. L. ( 2010 ). 7 Essentials for Project-Based Learning,. Educational Leadership, 68(1).

Implement SOLE

Has it ever occur to you that children are capable of self-teaching?  As an educator, I have always thought that direct instruction was the only method for children to learn and comprehend.  This is certainly not the case for Dr. Sugata Mirta.  His philosophical pedagogy of self-teaching proves that the child can learn through self-teach, interests, curiosity, and encouragement.  My initial response to Dr. Sugata Mitra’s, “The Hole in the Wall” experiment, was extraordinary.  His brilliant experiment not only gave way for teachers to have Self-Organize Learning Environments (SOLE), but gave disadvantaged children an opportunity to learn and explore the world through computers.  I thought to myself, “This is something I need to do in my classroom.”  Just like Mitra suggest, step back and watch.  I plan to conduct lessons around SOLE, so students can tap into their wonder and ability to work together.  “It’s not about making learning happen, it’s by letting it happen.”

https://ereqcourse.wordpress.com/

In today’s modern classrooms, more and more teachers have access to technology innovations and equipment.  By having these implementations, teachers can allow students to explore their interests and curiosities.  There is evidence in Neuroscience that suggest that when the reptilian part of the brain is threaten or punished, it shuts down all the parts which learn.  Teachers must allow students to learn through self-teaching, and give them encouragement.  Dr. Mitra calls this, “Method of the Grandmother.” By praising and admiring students, teachers allow for a more effective and positive learning environment.  In addition to self-teaching strategies, Mitra suggest building a classroom in the cloud (Granny Cloud) allows students to globalize individually.

As a future educator, implementing SOLE and encouraging students to keep trying, will level the playing field for an effective and prestigious self-taught learning environment.  An effective learning environment starts with students working together and discovering their true potentials. This way, they can be leaders and self-innovators.

“If children have interests, than education happens.”

                                    Dr. Sugata Mitra    https://www.theschoolintecloud.org/team

My First Blog Post

Hello enthusiastic reader!  My name is Gabriela Banuelos, and this is my first time creating a blog. It seems every time I try to catch up to technology, it sweeps right pass me with new and innovating knowledge.  I guess that’s how life is, fast and ever-growing.  I hope you enjoy reading my blogs, and exploring my life through pictures and stories.

Have fun!