CLRN - Web Info Links (WIL's)

After completing my technology-enhanced lesson plan on line symmetry, I decided to take a look up this topic on CLRN's site. I find their site very easy to navigate, and I love that there at NO ads!!! After watching the informative tutorial on how to use WIL's (Web Info Links), I went to "test" out my topic. All I had to do what click "Browse" under the WIL's toolbar, and I was taken to a web-page that listed all subjects. After clicking on Mathematics, I was taken to a web-page that listed 14 "categories" in mathematics. One quick click on "Geometry" brought me to a web-page that listed 35 links, 2 of the links being line symmetry! How exciting!!! Here is a website that I wouldn't have found using Google  - and it is awesome!!!! 

http://www.adrianbruce.com/Symmetry/index.html

I am thankful that sites like CLRN exist, because too often I find myself sticking to Google....and there is so much more out there!!!!!

General Technology in the Classroom

I found myself almost laughing out loud in my Principles of Methodology class. There were several grad students in the class who said they were intimidated by the idea of taking online classes. I don't think it was even the actual technology that bothered them either but rather the absence of a physically present teacher or professor.

It amazes me that people similar in age to me can be intimidated by technology. It's not like my parents who have a severe learning curve to overcome in comparison to the technology they had access to.

These types of fear have to be overcome as a whole in order for the entire learning world to progress. This won't occur unless their is a collective effort to learn as much as possible, and even more importantly, to allow for a higher level of generally accepted priciples provided by technology.

Bottom line from my perspective, technological learning, be it sophisticated software concepts or grasping long-distance learning, the positives far outweigh the negatives.

What's important in a web site?

I was thinking about all the web sites I've actually visited since being introduced to the Internet around 1996. Obviously there are ones that I probably visit more often than others just due to the topic I'm interested in regardless of how detailed or poorly designed the web site is.

However, there are other sites out there that can capture the audience. I've also thought that content on the site is far more important to drawing someone genuinely interested to the site rather than all the bells and whistles.

In designing a web site for school, I think it's important to take into consideration that there are going to be students who are genuinely interested in learning and others who could care less. The question is can you use the web site as an alternative way to engage the student who would otherwise be disinterested in the subject or the material that the class has to cover.

I think there are definitely some interactive ways to approach the student who would otherwise not be interested.

Now these are ideas about grabbing the audience from a business perspective. I thought it might help in terms of capturing the audience.

Impressive Teacher WebSite

I am excited to create my website - and I found some great examples online!

http://kids-learn.org/

Kidspirations and Inspirations

I found several examples of kidspirations and inspirations online. I thought this would be of some help to all of you to get a better understanding of what they are all about.

An additional link: http://www.strategictransitions.com/visuallearning.aspx

The original link is the hidden link in the title of the this blog entry.

The One Computer Reality

It is always ideal to have access to 25 + computers for your students, but what about the everyday REALITY of 1 computer in your classroom? I found this great website that provides ideas on how to best use that 1 computer in your classroom.

WebQuest

I have enjoyed learning more about WebQuests. I found it very interesting (and challenging!) to put the whole WebQuest together. I am adding my final touches now - not sure how many graphics are too many graphics. I try to make a nice mix of pictures with text.

A GREAT WEBQUEST!

This seems like it is a worthwhile webquest. I think the topic of plate tectonics can be challenging, especially for concrete learners. This webquest gives the student a defined "task" and has excellent visuals.

TeenAngels

My wife teaches at GW Middle School in Ridgewood, NJ. The computer teacher at her school runs a chapter of TeenAngles, which is a group of students who have been specially trained in all aspects of online safety, privacy and security. The goal of TeenAngels is to "make the Internet safer." This is obviously a tough job, in this world of online chat rooms and social networking sites. The students were featured on CBS a few months ago, and are going to Washington D.C. in a few weeks. They will present their research to policymakers and law enforcement.

Here is the link to the TeenAngles chapter at GWMS:

http://gw.school.ridgewood.k12.nj.us/index.cfm?sid=5&nav_id=4407

Any thoughts?

Technology in the Classroom blog

I came across this web site that describes in detail different ideas to try and promote different forms of technological learning within the classroom, primarily younger ages.

http://www.education-world.com/a_tech/

Back to the Blog

After the holiday hiatus in between semesters, I'm looking forward to getting back into the swing of things with another online blog. I found last semester's Reading Curriculum class I took online to be very useful and engaging even in the non-tradional classroom format.