It's really not scary

I think there is a problem with online learning communities and podcasts… people are scared. You hear so much about the bad element that exists online and Dateline keeps finding all these bad people that people are afraid of interacting on the internet. I know it seems like that on the school level. I admit that thereare some bad people out there and people do need to have their guard up, but at what cost? If you are smart and well prepared, the internet is not scary.

I have learned in another class this semester that there is a misconception about podcasts. People assume that can only get a podcast or use it if the have an iPod and that is simply not true. You can listen to any podcast through iTunes and most have a basic mp3 version that can be put on any mp3 player.

If I could wave a magic wand I would use it to educate everyone about the proper use of the internet and open their minds to its possibilities.

Wiki Wiki

This week we studied wikis. The wiki I am working on, which is still in VERY early stages, is a tech tips wiki for my campus. It will be a place to discuss the tech used on campus. It will contain setup and usage tips as well as a troubleshooting guide.

I think wikis are a great idea. There are plenty of great ways it can be used. Being updated by the intended audience is a great way to collaborate. It does, however, lead to inaccurate information. There are ways to prevent this, but it is important to monitor the updates to make sure that it only contains the proper information.

I visited a wiki called eLearning Tools that explores various Web 2.0 technologies for teaching. Two things that are discussed are audio and video podcasts. I think this is a brilliant way to deliver instruction. I am actually working on a podcasting lesson for another class.

Reflection #4

This week we discussed assessment for learning (AFL). Of the tenants presented for AFL, I focused on two.

1) AFL develops learners’ capacity for self-assessment so that they can become reflective and self-managing

And

2) Learners should receive constructive guidance about how to improve

I chose these because they go right along with the way I conduct assessment in my classes. I use rubrics in my classes as a method of self-assessment. The students know going in what is expected of them on each project. They have told me a number of times that they like knowing how I am going to grade and what will be graded going in. I also like to give feedback during the project. I like to do pre-assessments and let them know what they would receive if I graded the project right then and give them feedback on what to fix. You can’t fix something if you do not know it is broken.

I think that self-assessment is good because it gives you the opportunity to take charge of your learning and make sure that what you are learning is what you need to know.

ETEC 524 Portfolio

Here is a link to my portfolio for this class.

Blog Reflection #3

I am very familiar with many of the searching techniques discussed on the MAPing Information exercise. I think because I do web design and I know how the web works, I know a lot more about URLs and such. I teach my classes about how to validate their data and findings and use many of these strategies to teach them. We do not do much research in my class, but my students do a lot for their other classes and part of my class is to prepare them for such assignments and help get them familiar with the web and the good, bad, and ugly that is out there.

I have had a delicious account for a long time, but do not really use it much. I do see the advantages though. If a class has a research project that is done in groups, this is a very easy way to share your findings with your group members. I use Goolge Reader daily and share postings I find on there with several people. I think this could be a very useful tool as well in the classroom, much in the same manner. My district blocks so much stuff, however, that it is difficult to really make use of it on my campus.