Journal 7: My Personal Learning Network (NETS 5)

 My Personal Learning Network (PLN) is a way in which I am able to gather information using Internet networking sites to communicate with others, gain information, and collaborate with teachers around the world. My PLN currently consists of a Twitter account, Diigo book marking, my blog, and Classroom 2.0, a digital discussion forum for educators.

            On my Twitter account I follow fellow classmates to keep up to date assignments and to be able to ask any questions if need be. I also follow the professor, who post information and links related to class and the field of education and technology. Another great thing about Twitter is you can use it to participate in ongoing chats to collaborate with others in real time. I participated in the new teachers chat on Wednesday, April 20, 2011 at 5PM. When the discussion first began a new teacher had a question about setting up a classroom library. Many people had comments about how to get books in a way that is cost effective, what kind of books they collect, organization systems, systems to check out the books, and one person suggested assigning a student to be the class librarian for the week. This question really kicked off the chat and many people where eager to share their ideas. During the chat, I was merely an observer. It was a little hard to follow at times and some people would take on conversations to just one another instead of the chat as a whole, but I do think it could be a useful tool to get information and ideas. In the future, as a start out teaching as a new teacher, I think it would be fun to share new things I learn and collaborate with other new teachers.

            Diigo is a site that can be used for book marking websites. When you had a site to Diigo you can “tag” them with key words, which becomes your tag roll. I choose to "tag" a few sites for my PLN. I tagged a few blogs of educators who post teaching tips and techniques. I also tagged a website called "Teachers Teaching Teachers" which hosts a weekly webcast to provide development within the profession, and implemnets teachers' knowledge. You can also follow people on this site to see what others are finding on the Internet. On Diigo, I’m following a few different educators. I decided to follow John Evans and John Faig because I find the information they have to be resourceful and interesting. I’m also following a high school teacher, Casey Mayfield because not only is she an educator, but she has a passion for technology as well and has tagged some good information in that regard. I follow Deven Black because he is a middle school teacher, which is the level I’m interested in teaching and I follow Isabelle Jones because she is a teacher from England and I think it would be cool to see what information and links she provides on her tag roll.

            I decided to become a member of Classroom 2.0 because I like the way their website is put together. It is easy to access and find interesting and fun information. I came across a blog post while exploring the site. A former teacher, who had become a Technology Integration Specialist, reflects on her discovery of her own PLN and how it has opened the doors for her to learn and have access to new and innovative information. 

Journal 6: “Grow Your Personal Learning Network” (NETS 5)

Warlick, D. (2009). Grow your personal learning network. Learning and Leading, 36(6), Retrieved from http://www.iste.org/learn/publications/learning-and-leading/digital-edition-march-april-2009.aspx

Personal Learning Networks (PLNs) are changing the way we learn about the world. This article discusses the new ways in which we, as educators, are learning information today. In the past, we would rely on our families, colleagues, newspapers, books, television, and radio to seek and gather our information. In today’s technologically advanced society, we can use the internet to break down the geographical barriers of finding information using our PLNs. The author discuss the three main types of PLNs. The first type is instant connections we make over the Internet using tools such as Skype. This type of connection allows us to communicate with one another during real time. The second type of connection would be made in “nearly now” time. This means the communication we make is not necessarily made in real time but very close to real time using tools such as Wiki, Google Docs, or group discussion boards. This type of PLN, the author notes, allows people to collaborate together regardless of their schedule, or geographical time difference. The third type of PLN the author mentions is not a PLN that connects us to one another, but one that connects us to information using tools such as Diigo (a website bookmarking tool). Having this type of PLN allows the users to gather specific information and have that information, and all new information relating to the topic, delivered directly to them as oppose to the user having to search for the new information themselves. This article states that creating a PLN is important as an educator to foster our desire for lifelong learning.

Question 1: How can teachers use their PLNs to relate to their students directly?

                Having a PLN as an educator allows you to gather information that you can use in the classroom. For example, you can use your PLN to get ideas for lesson plans to use, you can gather information on classroom management techniques or get ideas on classroom activities. There is much information you can access using your PLN that will enhance a student’s learning experience. Also, by creating a PLN as an educator you are utilizing Internet tools and social networking sites in a way that fosters education and learning. By experiencing this, you are modeling for your student’s ways in which they can take learning into their own hands.

Question 2: Are there any negatives aspects to creating a PLN?

                Because we are responsible for creating our own PLNs, it is common for us to gather information on a limited perspective. We will most likely look up information that aligns with our own opinions and beliefs, and communicate and make connections with those who think in the same way we do. It is important that we examine perspectives and communicate with those who may have a different way of viewing things because that is how we become more knowledgeable. As a learner, it is important to not shy away from those who may have a different perspective than our own.  

Inspiration NETS-T

NETS 2

This is a diagram I created to represent the five NETS-T standards. For each standard, I connected two corresponding artifacts I have created throughout this semester.

Journal 5: "The Whole World in Their Hands" (NETS 2)

Crompton, H. (2011). The whole world in their hands. Learning and Leading, 38(5), Retrieved from http://www.iste.org/learn/publications/learning-and-leading/digital-edition-february-march-2011.aspx


Summary: A middle school in North Carolina developed one of the first online curriculums for their grade level. With this curriculum came the use of the iPod touch. This school is now currently providing an iPod touch to all of their 700 students. While most schools in our country are opposed to using hand held mobile devices in the classroom, this particular school in North Carolina is embracing it. The article states that it is beneficial for students because they no longer have to wait for their turn to access the computer, they have access constantly at their fingertips. Using the iPod is not a replacement for computers, but a tool to be used to complement the use of computers. When implementing the iPod touch into the school, teachers were the first to have access and learn about all it had to offer. Then a pilot program was created to introduce the iPod to a selected group of students in each grade before distributing them to the entire school population. Although there is not enough data yet to show a significant improvement gained from the use of the iPod touch, the school reports students benefit in a number of ways, including having fast and easy access to knowledge, organizing their schedules and having the ability to work collaboratively.


Question 1: What does this mean for the future of education when it comes to the use of technology in the classroom?
           Since this is the first school to attempt this, there will be a lot of new data regarding the benefits of using new technology in the classroom. When it is proven that these tools have significant positive impact on students and their learning, other schools may be more inclined to adopt a similar program. It is exciting to hear about a school that is dedicated to engaging their students using technology instead of punishing them for using it. 


Question 2: What strategies were using in being able to fit this program in with the budget?
           The article states that one huge factor in keeping the cost down was that many students already owned an iPod touch at home. The school got into contact with these parents and obtained permission for the student to use the iPod during school hours. About 20% of the families agreed to this which helped in cutting cost significantly. Therefore the school bought an iPod touch for all the students who did not have one of there own. In order to implement a program such as this takes careful budget planning. A school needs to have dedication and enthusiasm in order for a program like this to take command. 
           


          

Journal 4: "It's Time to Trust Teachers with the Internet" (NETS 4)

Schaffhauser, D. (2010, December 01). It's time to trust teachers with the internet: a conversation with meg ormiston. Retrieved from http://thejournal.com/Articles/2010/12/01/Its-Time-To-Trust-Teachers-with-the-Internet-A-Conversation-with-Meg-Ormiston.aspx?sc_lang=en&Page=1

Summary:  Meg Ormiston is currently working on incorporating technology in the classroom. However, she states that the main problem with using technology in the classroom is that school districts limit what teachers can have access to. In this article, Schaffhauser interviews Ormiston regarding teachers restrictions when using the internet in the classroom. Ormiston find that teachers become unmotivated to use technological tools, such as the internet, because of the restrictive policies school implement that aren't very clear. These policies block sites that teachers are able to have access to and often times the sites that are blocked are determined by people who are not educators. For example, Ormistron says some programs schools use automatically block certain sites. Teachers become frustrated that they don't have access to the sites and information they need via the internet so they simply give up on using this tool in the classroom. The article states that teachers need to be able to educate their students on responsible and safe computing because when they leave the school the internet is no longer restricted. Ormistron argues that technology is a necessity to effectively educating and engaging students today and teachers, as professionals, should be trusted to have full access to tools such as the internet.

Question 1: What are some ways teachers can push for more internet accessibility?

           One idea is for teachers to come together and form a committee dedicated to promoting technology use in the classroom. The article states that many teachers simply give up on using the tool all together, therefore there is no motivation to gain access and control because teachers simply aren’t using the technology. However, if there is a group and a lead person focused on developing knowledge and promoting the use of these tools, more teachers will learn the need for technology in the classroom and become more motivated to change the restrictive policies.

Question 2: Children these days tend to know more about the new technology then adults. How can teachers become more knowledgeable when it comes to today’s technology?

          Teachers can learn more about the use of technology and gain practice by using it more in their daily lives. The more one uses technology, the more familiar and comfortable with it. It is also important for schools to give teachers further education regarding technology. Professional development focused on incorporating technology into education should be provided to teachers through their school districts. It is important for teachers to become more knowledgeable when it comes to using technology so they can teach their students to make good decisions when using these tools.

 

journal 3: 100 Things That Make Me Happy!

1. My boyfriend Corey <3

2. Cheesecake 

3. Laying out by the pool

4. Listening to music

5. Cooking

6. Adventures with my sister and our "friend" Heather

7. Dancing

8. Hanging out with my friends

9. Watching movies in my PJs with tons of food

10. Being lazy on a rainy day

11. Sleeping in

12. Going to the beach

13. Wine

14. More wine

15. Road trips

16. Shopping

17. Decorating 

18. Pizza and beer!

19. Netflicks

20. Fish kisses 

21. Family dinners (most of the time)

22. Champagne brunch

23. Laughing

24. Making other people laugh

25. Driving with the windows down

26. People watching

27. Coloring

28. Hanging out with my dad 

29. Flowers

30. Thoughtful presents

31. Las Vegas BABY!!

32. Pool days with my best friends

33. Puppies

34. Babies

35. Going on Hikes with Corey 

36. Grocery shopping

37. Getting ready with friends 

38. Winning in a hand of poker

39. Winning at anything

40. Poker nights

41. SUSHI!!

42. Going out to breakfast

43. Christmas parties 

44. Bike rides 

45. Naps

46. Walks on the beach with my friend Leila 

47. Making fun of my best friend Nikki 

48. Weddings

49. Pranking my mom

50. Clean sheets

51. See’s Candy

52. Watching basketball with my brother

53. Dancing

54. Vacations

55. Traveling

56. Painting my nails

57. Helping my grandparents

58. Christmas

59. Making Halloween costumes

60. Sewing

61. Being with kids

62. Reading for pleasure

63. Getting off work

64. Going on runs/walks

65. Buying birthday cards

66. 80’s parties

67. Disneyland

68. DVR

69. Spa day

70. Painting/drawing

71. Cheese

72. Wine tasting

73. Baseball games

74. Riding the train/coaster

75. Learning new things

76. Annoying my brother

77. Playing tennis

78. Watching the sun set

79. Being in the snow

80. Scarves

81. Art

82. Room service

83. Summer

84. My “feel good” blanket

85. Bob

86. Coffee

87. Playing piano

88. Juice

89. Coaching

90. Hot chocolate

91. Going to the movies

92. Infomercials

93. Morning radio talk shows

94. Wrapping presents

95. Sundays

96. Accomplishing a task/goal

97. Happy hour

98. Baths

99. Concerts

100. My boyfriend Corey <3

Journal 2: "Join the Flock!" and "Enhance Your Twitter Experience" (NETS 5)

Ferguson, H. (2010). Join the flock. Learning and Leading, 37(8), Retrieved from http://www.iste.org/learn/publications/learning-and-leading/issues/Join_the_Flock.aspx


McClintock, S. (2010). Enhance your twitter experience. Learning and Leading, 37(8), Retrieved from http://www.iste.org/learn/publications/learning-and-leading/digital-edition-june-july-2010.aspx


Summary: Twitter is a social networking site that allows its users to communicate with one another by posting “tweets”. You can follow other users and get updates on your account of what others are saying. Hadley Ferguson, the author of the journal article titled, “Join the Flock”, discusses how this networking site is extremely beneficial in education and the process of lifelong learning. Ferguson states that this site is useful for building a professional/personal learning network (PLN) where users can discuss and exchange ideas regarding education. By using the network people in education can come together to establish a community based on communication and collaboration to enhance the experience of learning. In the article, Ferguson gives a few key pointers on how to begin building your PLN, such as taking the time to upload a picture for identification and fill out the biography section in order to attract people who share similar interests, then once your account is set up you can start searching for others with the same interests by entering in keywords to the search bar. Ferguson highly recommends using Twitter for links to websites and blogs as well as a source for discussions about what works and what doesn’t and why in education. 

Question 1: What are some other ways Twitter can be useful in education?

Despite the fact that many people are weary of using today’s technology to communicate with students, Twitter can be an extremely effective tool when communicating with today’s youth. The article discusses how Twitter can be used to enhance learning, so why shouldn’t students be able to take advantage of that as well, especially when today’s younger generation uses these social networks as their primary means of communication. Teachers could use Twitter as a supplemental learning toll for their students by posting links to articles and Youtube videos that are relating to whatever is being discussed that week in school. Another cool thing about using Twitter to communicate with students is that Twitter has a feature that will send “tweets” via text message so if students are away from their computers they will still be able to get updates and information regarding assignments and due dates. This can be a great reminder tool for students!

Question 2: Will Twitter fade out; become obsolete or outdated in the near future like other social networks have in the past?

We tend to see a trend when it comes to social networking sites. When they first come onto the scene there is a rush of popularity that fades out in a few years and another social networking site will become the cool new thing. There is always a chance that another site will come along that will steal Twitter’s popularity. However, there are so many ways Twitter can be used to communicate, that I believe it won’t become obsolete, but be put to use in different ways. For example, Twitter is now being used by businesses and other institutions to communicate to their staff and the public, as opposed to being used solely for personal reasons.