Blog Assignment 8

This is How We Dream Parts 1&2: By Dr. Richard E. Miller

Part 1
Dr. Richard E. Miller tells us that writing has changed in our culture, and how great this change is. He tells us that this may be the greatest change in human history because we have the capability to communicate instantly and globally. With the means of technology that we have today, we can do any research without stepping into a library. He states that writing is a solitary activity. Writing is something that we use on a daily basis, and now writing has taken on a new meaning.He says that the writing that we do now, is usually with our laptops and computers, opposed to pencils, paper, and libraries. With the technology we have today, writing is becoming strictly computer based. Meaning there is hardly and letters being mailed, because people are sending emails. Dr. Miller says that with the desktop as our workspace we can find research from all over the world. With technology not only can we use text for collaborate, but we can also use photos and videos.

In this video Dr. Miller is basically saying that the purpose of libraries are quickly becoming extinct. With the technology we have today there is really no need for books, pencils, and papers because that all can be accessed on our computers and laptops. With the internet there are countless ways that things can be learned and created. As educators we must stay ready to learn and teach new ways that technology is developing everyday.

Part 2
With the digital environment that we live in, we have a new kind of material, the type of material that is updated instantly and changes right in front of our eyes. iTunes U helps compose videos and access lectures. Dr. Miller states that "ideas don't belong to us individually, but belong to us as a community". I agree with this statement, because as educators we must always be open to sharing new ideas that we have with the world. Not only can we share our ideas, but we can also learn something new from the shared ideas of others. Dr. Miller believes that in the future students will not be using word processor anymore, but technology that he is just learning how to use. Watch the video here.

Carley's Blog Post

While watching Carley's blog post, I was thinking, "wow, I wish I was that creative". I really like how while reading her blog post I could see her personality through it. It was not your average blog post. I really liked the way she included her own playlist, in her blog post. I liked the way she said that she would incorporate research in her classroom, and give her students variety instead of giving them the same assignments everyday.

I think that variety does make a classroom successful. Getting the kids out the norm makes them excited to learn about new things. Carley's blog post and videos are full of information and motivation to become a better learner and educator.

The Chipper Series/ EDM 310 for Dummies

These videos made me laugh. I really felt the same way when watching EDM 310 for Dummies. This videos were fun to watch and were relatable for me. This is also a concept I can use in the classroom. Regardless the subject I am teaching, videos like these two make learning and understanding fun. These types of videos keeps the students engaged and supports visual learning. These videos were great ideas that maybe will be used in my classroom in the future!

Learn to Change, Change to Learn

To think that education is ranked below coal mining in the IT Intensive scale. This video highlights that students have a much more stimulating environment outside the classroom then they do inside the classroom. As educators, we must accept that technology is not a choice, technology has developed into a environment. There is no such things as a traditional classroom anymore. Students not only learn in the classroom anymore, but in museums, libraries, magazines, and of course online.

I agree with this video. Students might become they place where students come to do group projects. As educators, if we want our students to make global connections we must first make global connections first with other teachers around the world. With the technology today and the technology that is definitely coming we as future educators must learn to change, and change to learn.

Scavenger Hunt 2.0

1.) A Twitter/ Facebook type website that provides social platform for teachers, students, parents is Edmodo.com. This website is twitter like and allows you to make mini communities for students and parents. It also gives assignments, reminders, and updates. Websites like this allows parents and teachers to have direct communication with each other online.

2.) I have never used Prezi before. Prezi may have been used to make this video presentation. Teachers and students can enjoy using Prezi license free through the Edu Enjoy subscription. It comes with 500 mb storage, private presentations, and your own logo!

3.) A video tool that I have never used is Photo Peach. Photo Peach is a free site used to make slideshows quickly. Teachers can use Photo Peach to make slideshows and then incorporate polls and quizzes that are related to the slideshow. The website is easy to use for students.