Journal #2 Using Podcasts to develop a global perspective NETS III, V

Elliott, J., & Maguth, B.M. (2010). Using Podcasts to develop a global perspective. Learning and Leading with Technology, 37(5), Retrieved from http://www.iste.org/AM/Template.cfm?Section=February_No_5_4&Template=/MembersOnly.cfm&NavMenuID=4495&ContentID=25244&DirectListComboInd=D

The article was written by a doctoral student from Ohio State University and a High School social studies teacher from Columbus Ohio.  They spoke in how podcasting in a 10th grade class has been a great learning experience for the students not only in venturing into the us of technology but also of understanding and enjoying to learn about global issues.  The students put on roles of different kind of people in the world that might have individual opinions about world global issues.  The students were even able to learn techniques to emphasize certain scenes by adding music and special effects, as well as make commercials to make it more fun. 

What did the students gain from using technology and "podcasting"?
The kids felt that they had to make it better because it would reach several audiences, so they felt it was pretty cool to be able to be part of something more and then feel good after knowing that other aside from just their class could get something from their research and hard work.

What kind of programs did they use and how did they use them?
The high school used recorder their scripts in a program called "Garage Band" that comes in Apple.  Yet Audicity is another free program that can be available for both PC and Mac.  They were able to edit clips and place music, special effects and add commercials into the clips as well as adjust volume levels to enhance certain scenes in their debate.  They kids were than able to modify it into an MP3 file.

Journal #1 Computing in the Clouds NETS I, V

Johnson, D. (December/January 2009-2010). Computing in the clouds. Learning and Leading with Technology, 37(4), Retrieved from http://www.iste.org/Content/NavigationMenu/Publications/LL/LLIssues/Volume3720092010/DecemberJanuaryNo4/Computing_in_the_Clouds.htm

In the “Computing in the Clouds” article, it speaks in how schools should open up to the idea of advancing the way they do assignments for themselves and the children.  The Cloud metaphor is talking about the internet space where you can write documents and later access them anywhere else which does not necessarily have to have those expensive programs.  Programs online are offered by Google and are not as complex as expensive programs like Microsoft but they offer enough practical tools where you can get the job done and edit them later in your mechanical device. 

What other kind of mechanical device can I use that can access the cloud without having to pay such high prices for a “powerful one”?

Netbooks are the new mechanical device that allows you to access the cloud, as long as you have a close broad band.  You are able to access Google doc and Gmail offline and then once you get internet access they reconnect to the network.

What kind of things can’t I do in Netbooks?

It lacks animation, transitions, and in-program image editing, it also doesn’t offer features to write a book but there are always free programs “apps” that do just about the same kind of things but more practical.