Productivity Tools
I found the Productivity Tools interesting. They all had components that I could use on my job. I was excited to see how the different sites were similar but yet unique. They all were designed to make one more productive. The www.google.com/calendar site was a great organizer with excellent features. I was really impressed with the invitations, quick add, Gmail integration and the Mobil Access. It allowed you to receive event reminders and notifications on your mobile phone. The new feature under “What’s New” was the “snooze reminder to add to your desktop. The whole idea of sharing your calendar was a little concerning to me. It appears that nothing is personal anymore.
On www.zoho.com, the on line word processor allowed participants to write, share and collaborate, Templates were available for Resumes, cover letters , booklets, speech outline, and student progress reports. The site provided excellent examples to make project management easy.
On the www.doc.google.com site were familiar site to post and share information for other to view. They include MySpace, Face book, and Digg. This was my least favorite productivity tool. I am more conservative reference sharing information and exposing myself to people I don’t know.
On www.skrbl.com, participants are allowed to collaborate easily. They draw text, scribble and share on the whiteboard. Features included Teams sharing resources, collaborate with shared documents, video phone, Skype calls, share ideas and communicate.
On www.letterpop.com were beautifully designed templates. Some examples included were newsletters, birthday invitations, real-estate listings, family updates, home –based business, club announcements, classroom news, on line magazines and vacation memories.
These are resources that are used on the job and knowing were to fine them is very important in my position. They are all wonder tools to assist in the completion of individual and group task. I have explored a tremendous amount of information. Selecting the correct site and following the links to gather the information or sign in need to be examined. Putting in user names and pass words take a lot of time and they are difficult to keep up with. I am sure this is a wikis task that can be solved or maybe discussed in a chat room or on a blog.
Monday, June 23, 2008
Saturday, June 21, 2008
Web 2.0 - Teachers Teaching Teachers
Teachers Teaching Teachers
I visited the webcast and listened to the Classic Show of New York Teachers participating in Public Planning. Special host contributing to the session were Felicia George of New York City, Bill O’Neal of the Trenton Writing Project, Julie Connelly a New York Teacher Consultant and Susan Edihemir. Participation included guest from the chat room and wikis responses. The discussion was centered on a three week writing project for teachers. The project is scheduled for the first three weeks of July. Participation on the wikis was limited at the time. Highlights included: 1.What is a Writing Project? 2. What are the summer opportunities? 3. How technology is used to focus the project. 4. The emersion of teachers in writing to become better writers themselves.
Special groups are also available including the Advance Writers Project. The technology focus has occurred for five years with each year being different. The major objectives are to focus on what teachers are doing in the classroom, identify theory and practice, and tie the theory back to what is going on in the classroom. The Writing Project Teachers are exploring technology and implementing it in their classrooms. As the various participants contributed to the discussion the following points were significant.
Bill O’Neal reported that Trenton has the regular Summer Institute and three open short institutes which run for two days.
§ Four years ago they started the first summer experience.
§ The Advance Technology Institute is open to others not just the Writing Project participants. Experienced teachers and new teachers are involved.
§ A chat room participant was interested in learning about wikis and blogs.
§ Suggestion to consider Summer Institute as a prerequisite to the Writing Project.
§ Planning included bringing digital projects into the classroom, explore different things of interest and develop a project at the end of the experience.
§ Continue to include time to “mess around” explore and examiner tools.
§ Groups work and opportunities to post questions and materials to share learning.
§ Each week learn a new tool to accomplish a goal.
§ Discussed opening a Skype line to another school – evidence that it is happening at between some colleges and universities.
This web cast can be found at http://www.edtechtalk.com/node/3194.
Friday, June 20, 2008
Ancient Futures- Learning from Ladakh
In Ancient Futures we find a happy group of people working together to provide for their needs despite the geographical barriers. The interdependence of the community is very important to the relationship and the survival of the people. Their traditions and culture are woven in the fabric or their existence. The family structure is supported by the work and cooperation of all members of the family. The elders are respected for their wisdom and knowledge which is shared with the younger members. The children are protected, involved and taught the necessary skills to carry on the traditions and ways of life.
There is a basic interconnection with neighbors and a sharing of resources. Order, cooperation and respect are evident in the use of water and other resources. Waste is not observed as all parts of the materials are used. This is real economics at it best. The natural resources are preserved and taken care of. The need to belong and the value of family is a vital part of this community. The close relationship of the grandfather and the grandchild are validated by his remarks that he grew up in this house and his daughter grew up in this house and now his granddaughter is growing up in this house. Our choices are truly important and they make a different.
As the story continued, we saw the slow demise of the valley as the town grew and accepted the modern advances of the outside world. The development of the road cross the mountains was a wonderful technological advancement but the choices and practices it brought with it were destructive to the valley as well as the town. The respect, character and happiness that radiated from the people were lost in the struggle to obtain modern fads, customers and traditions that were not supported by the resources and work opportunities of the region. The constant strain on the community and the geographical areas could not support the advances that came without strategic planning and improved means of balancing resources. The effect on the people was most depressing. The will to work and earn a living was sacrificed for the easy life. There was no planned process of planned change or education in new skills or jobs to support decaying physical environment. The ecological community was growing with the modern influence but stability of the change was dependent on the outside. Water, housing colonies, trash and fuel were all at the mercy of imports. As the community crumbled, the people felt rejected by the modern ways and shut out by the traditional ways of life. The people needed to be connected for the community to survive. What started as an effort to improve the community turned bad. The intent just like the intent of technology was to provide a better way but it was short lived. The lesson learned: What is good is not always good for you.
There is a basic interconnection with neighbors and a sharing of resources. Order, cooperation and respect are evident in the use of water and other resources. Waste is not observed as all parts of the materials are used. This is real economics at it best. The natural resources are preserved and taken care of. The need to belong and the value of family is a vital part of this community. The close relationship of the grandfather and the grandchild are validated by his remarks that he grew up in this house and his daughter grew up in this house and now his granddaughter is growing up in this house. Our choices are truly important and they make a different.
As the story continued, we saw the slow demise of the valley as the town grew and accepted the modern advances of the outside world. The development of the road cross the mountains was a wonderful technological advancement but the choices and practices it brought with it were destructive to the valley as well as the town. The respect, character and happiness that radiated from the people were lost in the struggle to obtain modern fads, customers and traditions that were not supported by the resources and work opportunities of the region. The constant strain on the community and the geographical areas could not support the advances that came without strategic planning and improved means of balancing resources. The effect on the people was most depressing. The will to work and earn a living was sacrificed for the easy life. There was no planned process of planned change or education in new skills or jobs to support decaying physical environment. The ecological community was growing with the modern influence but stability of the change was dependent on the outside. Water, housing colonies, trash and fuel were all at the mercy of imports. As the community crumbled, the people felt rejected by the modern ways and shut out by the traditional ways of life. The people needed to be connected for the community to survive. What started as an effort to improve the community turned bad. The intent just like the intent of technology was to provide a better way but it was short lived. The lesson learned: What is good is not always good for you.
Where Do the Children Play?
Where Do the Children Play?
As I examined the 78 Reasonable Questions to Ask About Any Technology, I continued to focus on the Moral section. As an educator I ask myself daily, “Whose moral values are we teaching?” The documentary “Where do the children play’’ focused on Beaver Island in North Michigan. The concept of “Leave No Child Inside” was inspiring and motivating for me. The idea of children’s play and the need to experience life has been drastically affected by technology. The invention of television and video games has replaces the exploration of the outside environment with the inside isolation in front of television. The joy of nature and the experiences that accompany it have been lost to new inventions that program thinking and challenge the mind with pictures and audio that is no substitute for the real environment.
I believe in active hands on learning. The comment that nature is morally messy really captured my attention. We all learn better by doing. As stated in documentary, “Taking kids into the wild takes the wildness out of them.” Experiencing nature makes them more aware, more respectable of nature and the environment. The value of outside play on the development of cognitive skills, physical fitness and acquired knowledge is crucial to the development of the whole child. While the use of technology is to enhance experiences and opportunities the reality is that for children it has become a baby sitter or a place holder for precious limited free play time. The joy of laughter, oral communication, creative play and exposure to clean air and a healthy environment are major moral losses we have sacrificed for technology. The impact on the abilities and habits of our children, future leader, will be reflected in creative solution, scientific preferences and the overall health of our children.
The disconnection with nature and the evaluation of the effect of play on our children is a moral issue we all need to revisit. The moral values of families and their reaction to the increased violence of television programs, electronic games, cell phones, music devices, and internet are stressed to the maximum. We have a moral obligation to protect our children and provide a safe and caring environment for them not just at school but in the home and community as well. I value nature, interactions with others and respect for diverse opinions. I believe, “We are the sum total of our experiences.”
As I examined the 78 Reasonable Questions to Ask About Any Technology, I continued to focus on the Moral section. As an educator I ask myself daily, “Whose moral values are we teaching?” The documentary “Where do the children play’’ focused on Beaver Island in North Michigan. The concept of “Leave No Child Inside” was inspiring and motivating for me. The idea of children’s play and the need to experience life has been drastically affected by technology. The invention of television and video games has replaces the exploration of the outside environment with the inside isolation in front of television. The joy of nature and the experiences that accompany it have been lost to new inventions that program thinking and challenge the mind with pictures and audio that is no substitute for the real environment.
I believe in active hands on learning. The comment that nature is morally messy really captured my attention. We all learn better by doing. As stated in documentary, “Taking kids into the wild takes the wildness out of them.” Experiencing nature makes them more aware, more respectable of nature and the environment. The value of outside play on the development of cognitive skills, physical fitness and acquired knowledge is crucial to the development of the whole child. While the use of technology is to enhance experiences and opportunities the reality is that for children it has become a baby sitter or a place holder for precious limited free play time. The joy of laughter, oral communication, creative play and exposure to clean air and a healthy environment are major moral losses we have sacrificed for technology. The impact on the abilities and habits of our children, future leader, will be reflected in creative solution, scientific preferences and the overall health of our children.
The disconnection with nature and the evaluation of the effect of play on our children is a moral issue we all need to revisit. The moral values of families and their reaction to the increased violence of television programs, electronic games, cell phones, music devices, and internet are stressed to the maximum. We have a moral obligation to protect our children and provide a safe and caring environment for them not just at school but in the home and community as well. I value nature, interactions with others and respect for diverse opinions. I believe, “We are the sum total of our experiences.”
Technology - A Part Of Life
Technology has become a way of life. We use it in daily task accepting it as a simple part of life. Complex to simple, seldom to always the usage doesn’t matter until it is no longer available. Technology is in all things and the good is often forgotten in the comfort of always having it. The lost of electrical power eliminates the usage of many of our marvelous toys, gadgets, inventions and even life saving devices. While all of the technology is not power driven, a power outage creates a time for reflection on the pros and cons of Technology. Too much of a good thing can turn into a bad thing. As I examine the impact of technology on the quality of life, the good the bad and the ugly are present. While technology may be good to have, the use of it, and the impact on the environment must be considered.
During the first week of class we viewed the video “The Gods Must be Crazy”. The simple coke bottle dropped form an airplane invaded the lives of the people and changes them forever. The initial impression of the bottle was a help source for various members of the tribe with their daily task. While life was simple and happy for them, this new tool, a new form of technology, brought creative solutions to completing task as well as conflict. What was a good thing quickly turned into a bad thing. Everyone wanted the one item that became the source of confusion and division among the family members.
Chapter 15 explored technology and who’s in charge of whom. Technology is a human creation designed to extend their natural abilities. It is always subject to human control. The belief that technology acts as an independent force in our lives is known as “technology determinism”. The influence of technology on our social, political, and economic relationships comes with a cost. Technology has presented valuable solutions to major issues from antibiotics to zippers. Technology has brought better opportunities as well as confusion and conflict to society. As we look to the management of technology we must look beyond other and self –assess what we are willing to give up for the modern comfort of today and examine the cost to the future state of our environment.
During the first week of class we viewed the video “The Gods Must be Crazy”. The simple coke bottle dropped form an airplane invaded the lives of the people and changes them forever. The initial impression of the bottle was a help source for various members of the tribe with their daily task. While life was simple and happy for them, this new tool, a new form of technology, brought creative solutions to completing task as well as conflict. What was a good thing quickly turned into a bad thing. Everyone wanted the one item that became the source of confusion and division among the family members.
Chapter 15 explored technology and who’s in charge of whom. Technology is a human creation designed to extend their natural abilities. It is always subject to human control. The belief that technology acts as an independent force in our lives is known as “technology determinism”. The influence of technology on our social, political, and economic relationships comes with a cost. Technology has presented valuable solutions to major issues from antibiotics to zippers. Technology has brought better opportunities as well as confusion and conflict to society. As we look to the management of technology we must look beyond other and self –assess what we are willing to give up for the modern comfort of today and examine the cost to the future state of our environment.
Thursday, June 19, 2008
How You Use Communication?
How You Use Communication?
One of the most pressing issues with technology for me today is the availability of high speed internet in my rural community. Presently I am sitting in a house three miles form my house that has cable and high speed internet. This option is not available for me three miles to the north. Geographically, I am in a dead zone, I need the service but can not purchase it because I live in a non-service area. The modern advances of global technology has by passed our area. Provider after provider explain that they are unable to service the area. This is a true measure of the haves and the have not's regardless of social economic status. My representative to the North Carolina Legislature stays about four miles west of me and he is in the same situation. The need is here the request has been sent but the gatekeeper has not provided the customers with service.
Yes I have the wonderful technology option of dial-up. This option works a certain times and it disconnects in the middle of your project. While the warning is good the reconnection is a pain and the wait time is enough to drive you mad. No, I am not complaining, I love my home and community. I just have a difficult time community from my residence. Hours an hours on the dial -up is a waste of time and a henderance in completing required assignments. I can imagine what it is like for a high school student trying to complete an English project or an AP or an IB assignment. With all the advances of technology, I am sure we should be able to supply high speed internet services to all customers in the state.
I use technology daily and communicate with various forms. My cell phone is with the only company that provide service in my community with out standing at the right spot in the driveway or yard. At least there is a cell phone company that services my area. Thanks Verizon. It great to communicate but there are barriers across the state, region, nation that impacts global communication.
Please respond and let me know how you feel about access to tools..
View my blog at:
sue6421@blogger.com
One of the most pressing issues with technology for me today is the availability of high speed internet in my rural community. Presently I am sitting in a house three miles form my house that has cable and high speed internet. This option is not available for me three miles to the north. Geographically, I am in a dead zone, I need the service but can not purchase it because I live in a non-service area. The modern advances of global technology has by passed our area. Provider after provider explain that they are unable to service the area. This is a true measure of the haves and the have not's regardless of social economic status. My representative to the North Carolina Legislature stays about four miles west of me and he is in the same situation. The need is here the request has been sent but the gatekeeper has not provided the customers with service.
Yes I have the wonderful technology option of dial-up. This option works a certain times and it disconnects in the middle of your project. While the warning is good the reconnection is a pain and the wait time is enough to drive you mad. No, I am not complaining, I love my home and community. I just have a difficult time community from my residence. Hours an hours on the dial -up is a waste of time and a henderance in completing required assignments. I can imagine what it is like for a high school student trying to complete an English project or an AP or an IB assignment. With all the advances of technology, I am sure we should be able to supply high speed internet services to all customers in the state.
I use technology daily and communicate with various forms. My cell phone is with the only company that provide service in my community with out standing at the right spot in the driveway or yard. At least there is a cell phone company that services my area. Thanks Verizon. It great to communicate but there are barriers across the state, region, nation that impacts global communication.
Please respond and let me know how you feel about access to tools..
View my blog at:
sue6421@blogger.com
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