Please visit my wiki site https://ramblershotspot.wikispaces.com/ to access my reflective synopsis, blog postings and ICT Tool Table.
Thank you.
Rambling Rose.
Sunday, August 23, 2009
Saturday, August 15, 2009
Interactive White Board
Week 5 Entry
What is an IWB? (Interactive White Board)or it is also commonly called a smartboard.
A state of the art technology that is taking the place but not replacing the white board/chalkboard in Queensland classrooms. The IWB requires a computer and projector to be linked to the interactive white board for it to be of use.
I have had some experience with the commercial IWB in the classroom only earlier this year. Before that time I have not used one but I had seen one at a Teacher's Convention. I must admit that by seeing this IWB for the first time I was dazzled and impressed by this new technology that had hit the market. I also immediately thought that this is a fantastic invention and wondered how long it would take for it to appear in Queensland classrooms. Anyway after this day I didn't give another thought to IWB. However, at the prac placement this year I had seen it again but this time in action with students in the class. I have seen first hand how the learning has transformed to a more rich and stimulating environment. I wished that it were around 25-30 years ago when I was a student. Though, I'm not complaining as this new technology has transformed teaching and learning for the better.
There are many benefits of this technology in the educational realm and in my opinion far out weigh any limitations. The main benefit that I would like to talk about here refers to the how the learner learns best? The use of this technology and the software that you can purchase targets students preferred learning style. The three main types of learning styles are: visual, auditory and kinaesthetic. However, this technology has the potential to also target other types of learning styles such as the Gardiner's Multiple Intelligences.
In the tutorial we looked at the interactive white board gadget called the mimio. The mimio is a convenient, light weight hardware that can be easily attached to a white board and used like a commercial IWB. The difference is that it is portable and used anywhere with a computer and projector. I thought that this device would be helpful to me if I am placed in a classroom that the school community has not yet embraced the commercial IWB. I believe that investing in a mimio would be money well spent for the enhancement to the teaching and learning context that this device offers. Plus the added bonus because you purchased it for work it can be claimed at the end of the financial year...double bonus.
I have attached a YouTube video is one of nine tutorials explaining how to use an interactive white board. This video is the third tutorial and explains one of the functions of the mimio. An explanation is given on how to use the software 'Primary i-Dictionary.' This is an informative presentation for anyone who has not seen the use of an IWB and its potential for the educational context.
Thanks for stopping by and reading my thoughts on this ICT Tool.
Till next time...
Rambling Rose.
What is an IWB? (Interactive White Board)or it is also commonly called a smartboard.
A state of the art technology that is taking the place but not replacing the white board/chalkboard in Queensland classrooms. The IWB requires a computer and projector to be linked to the interactive white board for it to be of use.
I have had some experience with the commercial IWB in the classroom only earlier this year. Before that time I have not used one but I had seen one at a Teacher's Convention. I must admit that by seeing this IWB for the first time I was dazzled and impressed by this new technology that had hit the market. I also immediately thought that this is a fantastic invention and wondered how long it would take for it to appear in Queensland classrooms. Anyway after this day I didn't give another thought to IWB. However, at the prac placement this year I had seen it again but this time in action with students in the class. I have seen first hand how the learning has transformed to a more rich and stimulating environment. I wished that it were around 25-30 years ago when I was a student. Though, I'm not complaining as this new technology has transformed teaching and learning for the better.
There are many benefits of this technology in the educational realm and in my opinion far out weigh any limitations. The main benefit that I would like to talk about here refers to the how the learner learns best? The use of this technology and the software that you can purchase targets students preferred learning style. The three main types of learning styles are: visual, auditory and kinaesthetic. However, this technology has the potential to also target other types of learning styles such as the Gardiner's Multiple Intelligences.
In the tutorial we looked at the interactive white board gadget called the mimio. The mimio is a convenient, light weight hardware that can be easily attached to a white board and used like a commercial IWB. The difference is that it is portable and used anywhere with a computer and projector. I thought that this device would be helpful to me if I am placed in a classroom that the school community has not yet embraced the commercial IWB. I believe that investing in a mimio would be money well spent for the enhancement to the teaching and learning context that this device offers. Plus the added bonus because you purchased it for work it can be claimed at the end of the financial year...double bonus.
I have attached a YouTube video is one of nine tutorials explaining how to use an interactive white board. This video is the third tutorial and explains one of the functions of the mimio. An explanation is given on how to use the software 'Primary i-Dictionary.' This is an informative presentation for anyone who has not seen the use of an IWB and its potential for the educational context.
Thanks for stopping by and reading my thoughts on this ICT Tool.
Till next time...
Rambling Rose.
Slideshare
Week 3 Entry
http://www.slideshare.net/
What is Slideshare?
It is a site on the internet that you may:
-upload and share powerpoint presentations, word documents, Adobe PDF Portfolios.
This site allows you to share your work publicly or privately.
It also allows you to sign up for free if it is something that you would use on a regular basis.
Benefits of slideshare in the education realm for educators and students.
-This site is suitable for the educator to find any suitable presentations that will enhance the teaching and learning experience and ultimately to engage the learner through a source of visual stimulation.
-The educator could use a slideshare presentation in a blog that can be accessed by the students as an alternative resource.
-The students may share their work to viewers with access to the internet.
Limitations of slideshare in the education realm.
-The educator would be required to be a human filter to ensure students are not accessing information or presentations that are inappropriate or irrelevant to the subject or topic of study.
-The educator would have to have an umbandance of time to sift through the many presentations already uploaded to this site by many users around the globe.
How to use slideshare?
Select the presentation that you want to view and click on the play button. The presentation will after a few seconds automatically go through the different slides or you can press the forward button to move through the slides at your own pace. I have had to use the pause button alot to really view what was on the slide.
Here is a slideshare presentation that I had found that has tools that I have learned about in Managing E-Learning tutorials. By viewing this presentation I realised that the ICTs that were presented to us in the tutorials were only the tip of the iceberg. There is a whole lot more out there. Thank goodness that we didn't have to view more than what we had too as I have had a terrible time in keeping up to date with what was covered in tutorials. If you have the time view this presentation as I believe it is worth your time.
http://www.slideshare.net/
What is Slideshare?
It is a site on the internet that you may:
-upload and share powerpoint presentations, word documents, Adobe PDF Portfolios.
This site allows you to share your work publicly or privately.
It also allows you to sign up for free if it is something that you would use on a regular basis.
Benefits of slideshare in the education realm for educators and students.
-This site is suitable for the educator to find any suitable presentations that will enhance the teaching and learning experience and ultimately to engage the learner through a source of visual stimulation.
-The educator could use a slideshare presentation in a blog that can be accessed by the students as an alternative resource.
-The students may share their work to viewers with access to the internet.
Limitations of slideshare in the education realm.
-The educator would be required to be a human filter to ensure students are not accessing information or presentations that are inappropriate or irrelevant to the subject or topic of study.
-The educator would have to have an umbandance of time to sift through the many presentations already uploaded to this site by many users around the globe.
How to use slideshare?
Select the presentation that you want to view and click on the play button. The presentation will after a few seconds automatically go through the different slides or you can press the forward button to move through the slides at your own pace. I have had to use the pause button alot to really view what was on the slide.
Here is a slideshare presentation that I had found that has tools that I have learned about in Managing E-Learning tutorials. By viewing this presentation I realised that the ICTs that were presented to us in the tutorials were only the tip of the iceberg. There is a whole lot more out there. Thank goodness that we didn't have to view more than what we had too as I have had a terrible time in keeping up to date with what was covered in tutorials. If you have the time view this presentation as I believe it is worth your time.
MediaFire
Week 5 Blog Entry
What is Media Fire?
A free online service that allows files to be uploaded to the site for safe and secure storing.
How is MediaFire used?
The tool is used to upload any type of file to the site. The files may be shared with people or kept private.
Is mediafire a valuable tool for the education realm?
I believe that access to this type of file storage online is not only a valuable tool but a definate must have for all that use a computer. This site that doesn't have restriction of storage capacity which allows the freedom of storing as many files as needed. The files are easily accessible from any computer with the internet.
Are there any limitations to the tool for the classroom?
Depending on the connection speed of the internet at the school it may require a fast connection speed for uploading files.
Prior to this lesson I have never heard of a storage of files tool like mediafire. But now that I know about this type of tool I figure there'll be no more excuses to be made about failing technology. Computers has always been volatile so the creation of a file storage system on the web is a sure safe way to ensuring that those important files are never lost again.
My e-learning journey continues...
Keep tuning in for new updates.
Rambling Rose.
What is Media Fire?
A free online service that allows files to be uploaded to the site for safe and secure storing.
How is MediaFire used?
The tool is used to upload any type of file to the site. The files may be shared with people or kept private.
Is mediafire a valuable tool for the education realm?
I believe that access to this type of file storage online is not only a valuable tool but a definate must have for all that use a computer. This site that doesn't have restriction of storage capacity which allows the freedom of storing as many files as needed. The files are easily accessible from any computer with the internet.
Are there any limitations to the tool for the classroom?
Depending on the connection speed of the internet at the school it may require a fast connection speed for uploading files.
Prior to this lesson I have never heard of a storage of files tool like mediafire. But now that I know about this type of tool I figure there'll be no more excuses to be made about failing technology. Computers has always been volatile so the creation of a file storage system on the web is a sure safe way to ensuring that those important files are never lost again.
My e-learning journey continues...
Keep tuning in for new updates.
Rambling Rose.
Incompetech
Week 5 Blog Entry
What is Incompetech?
This is a copy-righted/royalty free music site. What that means is that any music can be downloaded from this site and can be used anywhere without the fear of being fined or infringing any copyright laws. Just click on this link to get to the free music site I discovered that this site has plenty of instrumental music. I didn't really notice any music normally heard on the radio. If that was the case then the site would be infringing copyright laws. All music that is bought on CD in a shop or online is copyrighted and by playing it aloud for the public to hear without seeking permission is actually infringing copyright laws. I was actually wanting to use a song as background music to a visual display to be broadcasted in a venue. I guess I am going to have to rethink that notion. This site allows you to download any music of your choosing though if you download music from a different site this is seen as infringing the copyright laws. Though I am sure you would probably know that?
Is this site valuable for classroon use?
I believe it is valuable for the use of adding music to a powerpoint presentation or perhaps to a website. Though I am sure it could be used for many other applications used in the classroom. Maybe the students could listen to some relaxing music in the classroom as they are marking their spelling. This could also be another way rather than using a timer to motivating or informing students that after the song has ended it will be time to move onto something else.
Are there any limitations for classroom use?
It all depends on the connection speed of the internet at the school. You certainly do want to have access to a quick connection to download music as it could take a very long time to download one song and we all know that time is of the essence.
Here is a YouTube video production that uses a song from incompetech as background music for the clip. I believe that this video clip shows how it could be used to enhance a video production without infringing any copyright laws. Enjoy! I did!
Music: Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Download the music here: http://incompetech.com/m/c/royalty-fr...
Till next time... Rambling Rose
What is Incompetech?
This is a copy-righted/royalty free music site. What that means is that any music can be downloaded from this site and can be used anywhere without the fear of being fined or infringing any copyright laws. Just click on this link to get to the free music site I discovered that this site has plenty of instrumental music. I didn't really notice any music normally heard on the radio. If that was the case then the site would be infringing copyright laws. All music that is bought on CD in a shop or online is copyrighted and by playing it aloud for the public to hear without seeking permission is actually infringing copyright laws. I was actually wanting to use a song as background music to a visual display to be broadcasted in a venue. I guess I am going to have to rethink that notion. This site allows you to download any music of your choosing though if you download music from a different site this is seen as infringing the copyright laws. Though I am sure you would probably know that?
Is this site valuable for classroon use?
I believe it is valuable for the use of adding music to a powerpoint presentation or perhaps to a website. Though I am sure it could be used for many other applications used in the classroom. Maybe the students could listen to some relaxing music in the classroom as they are marking their spelling. This could also be another way rather than using a timer to motivating or informing students that after the song has ended it will be time to move onto something else.
Are there any limitations for classroom use?
It all depends on the connection speed of the internet at the school. You certainly do want to have access to a quick connection to download music as it could take a very long time to download one song and we all know that time is of the essence.
Here is a YouTube video production that uses a song from incompetech as background music for the clip. I believe that this video clip shows how it could be used to enhance a video production without infringing any copyright laws. Enjoy! I did!
Music: Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Download the music here: http://incompetech.com/m/c/royalty-fr...
Till next time... Rambling Rose
Digital Storytelling - Voice Tread
Week 5 Blog Entry
Voice Tread reminds me of a discussion thread on the blackboard site that I had used for a course of study. The difference is that instead of typing a comment you may use a microphone or telephone to record your thoughts about the topic or subject. It also allows you to use the virtual pen to draw someones attention to something on the image. By clicking on the picture this magnifies and moves the picture to the location of the mouse. I spent a lot of time fiddling around with this ICT Tool and I had a lot of fun experimenting with the different features.
What is Voice Thread?
An ICT tool that allows the use of your own voice to talk about and share your images, documents and videos. It allows people to make a comment on the image with the use of their own voice. It also allows you to draw on the image. This tool still does allow you to type a comment if talking into a microphone isn't your style.
How is Voice Thread used?
You can share your voice thread with anyone by changing the publishing options from private to a public.
The link K-12 is a network for students and teachers to collaborate and share ideas with classrooms anywhere in the world. However, to have access to this you do need to pay a yearly subscription.
Is Voice Thread a valuable tool for the classroom?
The Voice Thread tool is an effective teaching and learning tool for the classroom. It allows each person to have a voice on a subject or topic. This tool also has the ability for students to collaborate with other students from around the globe. These are some of the other possiblities that this tool will allow you to do:-
- create digital stories, documentaries and own portfolio of work.
Are there any limitations to Voice Thread for the classroom?
There is a cost associated to being a member of the site. If this tool is something you want to use in the classroom with your students who pays for membership costs?
These could be a limitations in the classroom:-
- A broadband connection is required to upload and download the voice threads.
- Adobe Flash 7+ is required.
Thanks again for reading my thoughts on this ICT tool and following my e-learning journey.
Rambling Rose.
Voice Tread reminds me of a discussion thread on the blackboard site that I had used for a course of study. The difference is that instead of typing a comment you may use a microphone or telephone to record your thoughts about the topic or subject. It also allows you to use the virtual pen to draw someones attention to something on the image. By clicking on the picture this magnifies and moves the picture to the location of the mouse. I spent a lot of time fiddling around with this ICT Tool and I had a lot of fun experimenting with the different features.
What is Voice Thread?
An ICT tool that allows the use of your own voice to talk about and share your images, documents and videos. It allows people to make a comment on the image with the use of their own voice. It also allows you to draw on the image. This tool still does allow you to type a comment if talking into a microphone isn't your style.
How is Voice Thread used?
You can share your voice thread with anyone by changing the publishing options from private to a public.
The link K-12 is a network for students and teachers to collaborate and share ideas with classrooms anywhere in the world. However, to have access to this you do need to pay a yearly subscription.
Is Voice Thread a valuable tool for the classroom?
The Voice Thread tool is an effective teaching and learning tool for the classroom. It allows each person to have a voice on a subject or topic. This tool also has the ability for students to collaborate with other students from around the globe. These are some of the other possiblities that this tool will allow you to do:-
- create digital stories, documentaries and own portfolio of work.
Are there any limitations to Voice Thread for the classroom?
There is a cost associated to being a member of the site. If this tool is something you want to use in the classroom with your students who pays for membership costs?
These could be a limitations in the classroom:-
- A broadband connection is required to upload and download the voice threads.
- Adobe Flash 7+ is required.
Thanks again for reading my thoughts on this ICT tool and following my e-learning journey.
Rambling Rose.
Ning - A social network
Week 5 Blog Entry
What is Ning?
Ning is a tool that lets you create and join new social networks for your interests and passions. Visit http://www.ning.com/ to start your own or to join a social network. This tool allows you to track the activity on your social networks, keep up with all your friends and discover new social networks-all in one place. There are all different types of social networks that you can join such as education, entertainment, pets and a range of others that may be of interest. It is only possible to join these sites by joining the ning network which is free. To create your own social network you need to give it a name and a web address. There are various features that may be added to your created network such as a Forum, Photos, Videos , Blog , Music and Chat to name a few. This type of social network also has a number of moderation and management tools to ensure only the best and most fitting content is added to your social network. Lastly, the overall appearance of your social network, from the colours and fonts to the order of the tabs and sub-tabs are in your control.
How is Ning used?
Ning is a great tool that opens the lines of communication between people from all parts of the globe with access to the internet.
Ning a valuable tool for the educational context?
I believe Ning could be a valuable tool for educators in the ever changing world of technology. One example this tool could be used for is to open the lines of communication between you and the parents of the students in your class. It could keep parents in the loop of what is happening in their child's education in the classroom. It may also be a way of keeping in touch with parents outside of school hours. However, if the site is used for this purpose the privacy control would need to be changed to only allow the people of interest to this site. If however, there is a breach in netiquette by an unidentified member as a creator of the site this person can be banned from the social network which will remove all of the photos, videos, forum posts, blog posts, comments, and any other content that member has added to the social network. (I love the thought of that idea). By creating an open door policy to this site for parents of the students you teach it may create a partnership and a trusting relationship that may have a positive effect on their own values and attitude towards their child's education.
Does Ning have any limitation to the classroom?
The offerings that this tool has for the classroom and life outside the classroom there is a great potential for far more good to take place in this social networking than any weakness that this tool may possess.
Thanks for reading my thoughts.
Join me again for further developments in my e-learning journey.
Rambling Rose.
References
http://help.ning.com/cgi-bin/ning.cfg/php/enduser/home.php?p_sid=qfgmfRFj
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