Journal #9 Playing with Skype NETS I, III. IV, V

Weller, T.J. (2010). Playing with skype. Learning & Leading with Technology, 37(6), Retrieved from http://www.iste.org/AM/Template.cfm?Section=March_April_No_6_1&Template=/MembersOnly.cfm&NavMenuID=4516&ContentID=25508&DirectListComboInd=

In this article an 8th general music teacher was able to have get connections and agree with some music composers to connect to Skype and allow the kids to watch a live concert.  Skype also allowed Kids to ask questions and find out great information about copyright laws and how the music business works.  This has great potential to inspire students and make what they learn in school to become real and rewarding.  Travis believes that if technology is used for a richer and educational experience, then the time and small effort if worth to make it happen in any classroom.

How did he make it happen?
A grant called Classrooms for the future helped to cover the costs for the equipment.  He bought webcam,  some microphones, a projector, a computer with broadband Internet connection, some adapters to pump the audio feed through the sound system.  They made along with the composers, a Skype account which is easy and free at  Skype.com.

Why should educators use Skype? 
Teachers no longer have to be the only educators, but it is smart to get experts talk to kids as well.  Kids will have a greater heart to do well in school if they are told by experts in the field about what is important and how what they learn is school connects to their future.  Kids will also be encouraged to use technology in other parts of their life and see how important and cool it can be used at the same time.

Wiki- NETS I, IV, V

This was a page on Wetpaint about PlayCrafter.  PlayCrafter is site where kids can create their own games.I discussed on the Wiki how this page could be useful in a class. 

Copyright/Internet Safety- NETS IV

This document was created using Google Documents. Six of our peers collaborated in sharing lessons from http://jccsinternetsafety.wetpaint.com in order to provide Internet Safety and Copyright information to students.

iMOVIE- NETS I, II, III, IV, V

This was a Public Service Announcement I made in the software called iMovie. It was concerning the hate crimes happening in CSUSM.

Journal #8 Navigate the digital rapids NETS IV, V

Lindsay, J., & Davis, V. (2010). Navigate the digital rapids. International Society for Technology in Education, 37(6), Retrieved from http://www.iste.org/Content/NavigationMenu/Publications/LL/LLIssues/Volume3720092010/MarchAprilNo6/Navigate_the_Digital_Rapids.htm

 Often teachers avoid technology in their class because they fear the misuse from students with technology.  The article precisely discusses and encourages teachers to become more confident in using technology in their class.  The article talks in how as educators we need to take on the digital citizenship role and become an example to our students. They talk how customizing your classroom activities and assignments artistically could benefit and not limit your classroom standards.  An important characteristic about being a teacher is to manage the educational network that their school provides and make sure everything is professional and not confused with a social network.  The Article talks a lot about  Flat Classroom Projects, the website helps teachers to become more involved in making their classroom Digitally motivated.  Here teachers practice in monitoring their students use of projects online.

What happens if students use inappropriate behavior online?
Usually students themselves may take a sccreen shot or comment to the teacher and then the teacher has the choice to ban the student from the project or apologize to a certain member or the class.  Since the content is monitored all the time it is easy to notice new content that seems innapropriate.

When should students be educated about the internet?
 As soon as they can use their little fingers to hit the keys.  We are underestimating students potential to navigate the world web.  Many kinder gardeners could already use Skype and 9 year olds could create digital portfolios and share with the rest of the world! It is an amazing thing watching what kids can do and it is a shame if we are just afraid to guide their way into becoming tech geniuses.

SPREADHEET- NETS I, II, III

I used Microsoft Excel to make a crossword puzzle that could be done for kindergartners. I found out how to do the crossword puzzle on atomic learning.

INSPIRATION- NETS I, II, III, IV

This brainstorming graphic organizer helped me lay out the artifacts that I used in class and it showed how they could be incorporated into NETS.