Technology Integration in Education

I recently found and joined the Technology Integration in Education group on Ning. I searched through many different groups but this one caught my attention most. A video that was posted to the group home page was entitled "An Introduction to Project-Based Learning". I watched this video and it was both interesting and informative. The video supported many of the techniques that I want to use in my own classroom. It showed different teachers who had based their classrooms on hands-on experiences. It then went on to explain in further detail the benefits from such techniques. This was just one aspect of this group that I found to be useful.
Many educators and administrators had also left comments on the groups main page that included questions, answers, resources, techniques, etc. Another aspect that I really enjoyed was the NewsShare page. This listed headlines and information from schools and classrooms around the country. One example was "California Schools Replace Math Textbooks with IPads". I liked this convenient way of staying up to date on what is happening in the world of education. There is a communication tab which allows you to see different members blogs as well as chats and discussion forums. Being able to communicate with other professionals is crucial, and I love how easy this group makes it. I am excited to see what this group has to offer and I encourage educators or future educators to check it out!Technology Integration in Education

Connectivism Theory: What it Means for Educators

Connectivism is largely based on the connections made, and the ability to stay current with the information we immerse ourselves in. Based on the article by George Siemens, "Connectivism: A Learning Theory for the Digital Age", I feel that a learner in many ways is like a spider. Bare with me here. Spiders as we know, spin webs which act as their home, as well as their means to food. Like a spider, students create their own "web" consisting of many different strands. Each strand is equally important and without an individual strand, there is a hole that is formed. Each individual strand represents a connection made between "fields, ideas, and concepts" (Siemens, 2005). With every strand that is missing, these connections are lost or unobtainable. However, spiders like students are able to "fix" the strands in their web by "Nurturing and maintaining connections [that are] needed to facilitate continual learning" (Siemens, 2005).

For spiders, the web acts as a means for survival in which it catches or captures new food everyday. The web that a student creates is similar in that it catches incoming information, and like a spider students should be picky about what they receive. "Choosing what to learn and the meaning of incoming information is seen through the lens of a shifting reality" (Siemens, 2005). The web in both the spider's case and the student's catches something new everyday and it is up to the occupant to understand and determine whether it is the right find.
The video The Impact of Social Media on Learning by Siemens references the uses of Facebook, Flickr, blogs, wikis, and Myspace as means to engaging in Connectivism. Being able to connect with each other and share our ideas is a very effective way to stay current and explore new concepts and ideas. They provide growth and knowledge in a way that is unique and engaging to students. They also allow us to "Express ourselves and externalize our knowledge" (Siemens). This also gives purpose to the student. They are sharing their ideas and thoughts to "someone with a face". There is purpose behind the learning and in return, students are strengthening their connections and staying current.
Siemens uses the term "pipe" and for my analogy purposes I will use web in place of it. "The [web] is more important than the content within the [web]" (Siemens, 2005). Without the web there would be no information available which further emphasizes the importance for a strong web.
The Impact of Social Media on Learning
Connectivism: A Learning Theory for the Digital Age

Social Media Revolution 2

This four minute video on the social media revolution is eye opening. The information found in this video is imperative to the teaching profession. Some of the information shown included the statement "50% of the population is under 30 years old." What this means for us as educators is that the media, information, trends, etc. are influenced by and geared toward this generation meaning that teens are surrounded by popular culture and social media. If this is what their lives are based on outside of school, why not bring some of these trends into the classroom. Facebook was mentioned multiple times throughout the presentation stating its popularity and how many people are subscribed. We know that our students are using Facebook all the time everyday, so why not include Facebook into our teaching? The possibilities are endless and range from character profiles to groups formed for classrooms.
One quote that stuck out the most in this video was that we "Don't have a choice on whether we do social media. The question is how well we do it." This is true for teachers. Social media is everywhere and our students are influenced by it everyday. There is no escaping it which means we should embrace it and utilize it to the best of our abilities. Blogs, Twitter, YouTube, iPods, Kindle, etc. All of these things should and can be implemented into any curriculum. There is a "fundamental shift" taking place and as educators, it is our responsibility to remain current and flexible to better suit the changing needs of our learners.
Social Media Revolution 2

Safe Blogging Tips for Students

1. Be aware of the information you share.

2. Do not reveal any personal information about yourself, family, school etc. to anyone.

3.Remember that everything you post represents you. Be respectful and responsible for your actions on the  internet.

4.What you share on your blog is public for everyone to see. Post what would be appropriate for anyone to see. If your grandparents looked at your blog would they like what they see?

5. Respect people's thoughts, comments, and opinions that they may share through posts.

How could I use a blog in my own classroom?

A blog can be a vital tool in any classroom and can open many doors to learning. Blogs can be used in various ways to achieve different results. One way in which a blog could be used in the classroom is for communication with students and schools in different countries. Many students are unaware of the cultural diversity among classrooms today and exposing them to students from different countries and even states can help broaden their sense of many different cultures. Blogging can also be seen as electronic pen-pal in this way. Seeing new posts can be exciting for students and will no doubt engage them in learning. Using a blog in this manner fits well with ELA standard four: Students will read, write, listen, and speak for social interaction.

Another way in which a blog can be used in the classroom is for projects or unit assignments. Students can create their projects through the use of a blog, rather than the usual PowerPoint. Students would be able to view their classmate’s projects online at any time. There would also be a sense of ownership on the student's part as they would be able to add or create everything on their blog as long as it was appropriate. The teacher would be able to view the blogs, postings, and content before it would be published which is crucial to a student's safety and security on the web. I think that having a student create a blog touches on all four of the standards. Students will read, write, listen, and speak for information and understanding. Students will read, write, listen, and speak for literary response and expression. Students will read, write, listen, and speak for critical analysis and evaluation. Students will read, write, listen, and speak for social interaction. Students will be using blogs as sources of information, self-expression, communication, and evaluation.

A final way in which a blog can be used in the classroom is created by the teacher, for the students and their parents. Having a blog which lists homework, contact information, news and updates, student examples, links, resources, etc, can be an essential tool in the classroom. Having a place where students can go to get all of the information they need and stay up to date is crucial. Parents appreciate this as well as they can follow what their child is doing in the classroom, what’s to come, and much more. Students will no longer have the excuse that they don't have their work or they weren't sure what the assignment was because it will all be available on the class blog. Allowing students to provide feedback on the blog is important for the teacher to make sure that the blog is effective and any changes or editing can be made. The classroom blog incorporates Standards one, three and four. Students will be using technology to access information, communicate with both the instructor and their peers, and evaluate and help build the blog itself.