Podcasts in the Classroom

I watch a podcast from necc that was a presentation by  Craig Nansen and Camilla Gagliodo: Podcasts in the Classroom. The presenters are apple distinguished educators from the class of 2007. Nansen states that in education most uses of podcast are not really true podcasts because podcasts are produced on a regular basis. Although these recording are not true podcasts they can be used for recording field trips, Performances, science experiments and other special projects.  Their presentation went though what a podcast is, where to find them, tools used to create them as well some other areas of podcasting.  I felt that our tech cadre sessions through buhler schools have done a good job at covering this topic.  I was hoping for a bit more or something different from this podcast.  Although this session was not for tech cadre grads it would sure be a good one for beginners.

Web 2.0

 I just completed watching a NECC session called Marzano and Web 2.0: Ed Tech That Works

by Stephanie Sandler. Most teachers feel that their plate is full and that their isno room  for anything new that will take them time to learn but this session was on using web 2.0 tools to enhance the teaching that is already taking place not adding anything new. These tools are geared towards meeting the needs of teachers and students right away.  One example of this was having students use google docs to collaborate on a research paper in stead of using tradition methods.

Sandler states that if we just view technology as just a tool instead of a way of learning and working then tools such as powerpoint and smart boards can become nothing more than an expensive chalkboard or expensive overhead.

I gained a few things from the session and found that her wiki, Http://web2thatworks.com was a wealth of information. I particularly found the Technology Integration Matrix to be interesting. I also liked the list of web 2.0 tools on the left of the page. Check them out.

A minute with Ian Jukes

I am responding to an edition of audio journal that I just finished, where Ian jukes was interviewed about digital learners.  The main premise of the interview was that students are fundamentally different than previous generations, and therefore should be taught differently. He states that students are different due to "Digital Bombardment".  This digital bombardment causes students to process the same information differently than we do.  Students have a more acute sense of visual learning with enhanced visual memory and visual processing skills.

Well just knowing students are different is know benefit if we don't teach them differently.  These digital students often times are taught in an analog world that simply moves too slowly and bores them.  The digital learner prefers a parallel quickly moving world verses a sequential orderly one. The digital learner is interested in "Just in Time Learning" with instant gratification and immediate rewards.  Often needs of constant affirmation, lots of attention and a desire to distinguish themselves from others. These learners ultimately  prefer learning that is relevant, active, instantly useful, and of course fun.

This interview was insightful and caused me to think of things I am doing in the classroom that are specifically helping digital learners and others that are hindering their learning style.  Ian jukes also recommended a book that I intend to check out, Teaching for Tomorrow by Ted McCain no relation to the presidential candidate.