In Dr. Richard Miller's video presentations, he points out the changes in communication that we are experiencing. "How we research, collaborate and publish is moving toward becoming web-based. Information is readily available to us via the Internet." As a result, Dr. Miller predicts changes in literacy. He "foresees a time students will compose not with word processing but with digital composing material." He believes our dream should be to "inspire teachers for visual literacy." Our schools will become a "digital environment." As a result, schools will have access to an enormous amount of information that will be constantly updated and immediately available. Libraries will start to become out of date, as they cannot keep pace with the information and resources available on our own computers. Dr. Miller suggests using resources such as iTunes U to download lectures to obtain academic information. He believes students will need to "compose with text, audio and video." Communication can become visual in an instant. Programs such as Skype, Twitter and Blogger are examples of how communication is changing.
By taking EDM310, I think that I am becoming better prepared to utilize multimedia presentations in the classroom. I have had the opportunity to learn about and use many of the resources available to assist teachers. The blog posts that I have written and some of the projects that I have created have helped me immensely. I also feel better prepared to guide my students in using the technology to help them use their creativity with multimedia applications.
Blog Post # 12 by Carly Pugh
Carly Pugh’s EDM Blog Post #12 was fantastic! It was evident that she put a lot of time, thought, and effort into this post. She created an assignment that required students to “create a You Tube playlist of ten videos that describe your teaching philosophy and relate to things you have learned in this class. What could you do with them in your teaching environment?”
As a response to her assignment, Carly Pugh found a variety of videos describing her teaching philosophy and provided links to them. I think she does an excellent job of answering Dr. Richard Miller’s call for writing with multimedia. She uses video examples to justify her ideas of using technology in her classroom. In the video, “Think Different Crazy Ones,” she is able to point out that we all learn differently. This video supports her idea that the traditional classroom environment needs updating. In addition, in the video, “The Schools Children Deserve,” Ms. Pugh demonstrates how learning needs to take place beyond the classroom walls. Teachers need to encourage creativity and they can use multimedia resources to achieve this. Two of my favorite videos that she included were, “Inclusion is Belonging” and “Disability Means Possibility.” These videos reinforce Ms. Pugh’s stance that students learn at many different levels. Technology is a way to reach out to all levels to spark their creativity into becoming successful students. Wouldn’t Dr. Richard Miller be proud!
"The Chipper Series" and "EDM310 for Dummies"
I enjoyed watching the “Chipper Series” and “EDM310 for Dummies.” These were two student-created videos highlighting some tips and information that would be useful for students currently enrolled in EDM310.
The main message in the “Chipper Series” is don’t procrastinate. Students in EDM310 are given deadlines for their work. The video warns against excuses and reminds students to take responsibility for their course requirements and complete them on time.
“EDM310 for Dummies” is a creative video highlighting some of the projects and activities that students in EDM310 will use and create. It also gives reminders and helpful hints for students to be successful.
Watching these two videos has given me inspiration for videos that I could create or participate in to showcase EDM310. One idea that I have thought about is the “ABC’s of EDM310.” I would come up with an idea for each letter of the alphabet. For example, “A is for Assistants; B is for Blogger; C is for checklist; etc.” Another possibility that I have thought of would be to use some of the programs available with the SMART Board to create a game show, such as Jeopardy, reviewing some aspects of EDM310. Regardless of the type of video I am able to participate in, I would like to highlight some keys to success and projects in EDM310. I would like to showcase the positives in the class because I feel like I have already learned a lot of new things that will help me in my classroom.
"Learn to Change, Change to Learn"
“Learn to Change, Change to Learn” was an interesting video pointing out the need for change in our schools. With all of the advancements in technology, the classroom is changing. Teachers should not concentrate on having their students memorize facts or stress about standardized testing. This video suggests that teachers gear their classrooms toward project-based learning using the technology that is available. Students today are exposed to a variety of technological devices and programs outside of the classroom that are very stimulating and fun for them. This video suggests that teachers need to bring that same technological aspect into the classroom. As a result, students will develop and engage in enrichment programs that will better prepare them for their future. After all, how many employers require their employees to complete regular standardized tests?
The video suggests that this change in learning needs to begin with the community and teachers. The community needs to work together and support the schools in their endeavor to change the way learning takes place. Teachers need training on the best ways to incorporate the resources that are available to them. Teachers will need to inspire their students to research and collaborate with others to solve problems using the technological resources available.
I am very excited about the future shift in teaching. I work at a local middle school as a paraprofessional, and the teachers have to work very hard preparing students for all of the standardized testing that means very little to the students. These public school students are required to take county, state and federally mandated tests. Approximately nine weeks of classroom instruction is dedicated to test review and actually taking the tests. This equates to one-quarter of the school year. I think this is ridiculous. This time could be better spent focusing on an area that would meaningfully impact our students and their future. Technology is a part of the lives of students today and in the future. I believe that we need to dedicate more classroom time for students to familiarize themselves with the technological resources available to them. Technology plays a big part in the lives of students today. Why not take the time to allow them to embrace it?
No comments:
Post a Comment