Tech Task #7- interpretation of k-12 conference

So, in this assignment we were to find a video on the K-12 conference and post which one we watched and how we felt about the discussion it included. The video i watched was called Prove It “We Like Our Blogging Buddies: The Write Stuff with Blogging Mentors”. the link is http://k12onlineconference.org/?p=319. Basically what this video discusses is a teacher from moosejaw who teaches grade one students, and a professor from the u of r who studies teaching kids from the ages k-3. The two teachers together had created the concept of blogging buddies. His students are paired individually with one of her students and they comment either through blogs as well as using SKYPE for video calls to their buddy. I found this concept very cool due to the fact that it allows younger students to have someone to look up to and also teaches them how to use a different type of technology within their learning process. For the university students on the other hand, are now able to see how younger students learn and what their level of understanding is of technology. Learning that to younger students they find that blogs let them type rather then handwrite, and it also allows them to learn proper sentence structure (such as period, capitals, etc.).
Something that got me thinking on this video was that i think that typing is a great concept for students to learn at such a young stage, but one thing to keep in mind is that teachers cannot replace paper and pen for the computer and keyboard. Students all need to learn to write because it still remains as an essential form of communication in their lives or futures. Technology is a great advantage for students, but should not be a replacement to the basic needs of any individual!

Advantages of Google for educators

I believe that these tools on google could benefit an educator because as our society complexes so does the learning process of understanding it. Taking a look myself at the tool options i discovered a whole new world beyond my knowledge of understanding what technology has come to. I mean think about a simple application on google is the calendar. Easy access for the teacher, and easy to edit for any changes. A teacher can struggle with not only keeping her classroom organized but her students due dates also. Believe it or not, it is possble for a teacher to forget about a test date and or assigmnent. Google groups is another really cool application i discovered. This allows student and parents to see important posted information, or host group discussions, etc. My favourite two applications on google though are the blogger and igoogle pages. Blogger allows students and teachers to post, respond, and teach each other a little about themselves. Also, teachers can incorporate this into the learning process for their students based on their age groups. Younger grades may not be able to use this tool til a little later. But older students can learn to use blogs as a way of communicating with fellow students, as long as it is done in a mature and appropriate way. Teachers can evaluate their students based on their participation and willingness to try something new. Teachers need to take that first step and make learning a new experience for a the new generations. Eventually students can learn to post assignments and give eachother feedback. If anyone has anything to add please let me know what you think???

Igoogle is the new personal organizer!!!

Hey guys, well as most know from my ECMP 355 class we were assigned this week to create an igoogle page and take a screen shot of it for our blogs. Well here it is!!:) I am very excited to be learning about this igoogle thing. Will save lots of time of for me when browsing the internet. Also think of the advantages for google documents. So cool!!

Another thing to add, we were also assigned to create a new form where we would ask for each other's emails, so here is the link, please complete this form! I can't wait to see how this whole semester turns out, i am already learning more than i could ever imagine! If i finished class now i would be already extremely satisfied. I know i will be using these new tools in my teaching practice.

Here is the link: http://spreadsheets.google.com/viewform?key=pThVj8gApGvBMGWBywCKxSQ

Thanks guys and i hope to see your responses soon!!

My Experience with Technology's development

Throughout the years of my life i have experienced the influence of technology in several ways. As kid in elementary school we all had those days where we would be in the computer lab a few times a week learning how to type correctly, spelling of words, learning games, etc. Then as i got older i learned how to you power points, projectors, word, excel, or any other sort of advanced program. Now that i am in university, i see students with lap tops and these high tech ipods, etc. Its amazing how easily technology has grown!

A Bitter Winter

Originally i am from Ontario, and i lived their for the majority of my childhood. Growing up in Ontario was a great experience, but for me, when i moved to Regina i couldn't believe that the winters could ever get so bitter cold! Maybe as a child i couldn't really appreciate a warm car in the morning, or a shovelled drive way when leaving my house for school, etc. I think that as i grew up and moved to Regina, i learnt to appreciate even the smallest things, especially during the winter. But now that i have my license and more responsibilities, i can't help but get depressed when i think about scraping off my car windows in the morning, or helping my parents shovel before school. Does anyone just feel sad in the mornings just by looking outside or is it just me???

Beginning of a new experience!

Hey guys, this is the first time i have ever thought of creating a blog. As i began to customize i learnt several tricks into how technology has come about. Learning how to add new gagets such as useless information, youtube search, or things even like popular games or videos. I am now a huge fan of blogging and i can't wait to see how my blog develops throughout this semester of ECMP 355.