Journal 9: "Massive and Open" NETS 2, 3
Fasimpaur, K. (n.d.). Massive and open. (2013). Learning and Leading
with Technology, 40(6), 12-17. Retrieved from
http://www.iste.org/learn/publications/learning-leading/digitaledition/digital-edition-march-april-2013
The latest new rage is massive and open online courses (MOOCs). These online classes have no restriction to the number of participants and are often open to the public, free of charge. The method of which MOOCs are held vary, some are student driven, while others the instructor plays an active role in teaching. For example, cMOOCs are peer driven and project based while xMOOCs are more independently ran. I believe that a well balance in both would be a great program. There should be an overseer such as an instructor, yet collaborative study is vital to also practice when working online. Students who work online though must learn to be independent learners. They should be self-motivated and goal oriented in order to maintain the motivation to stay on task without an instructor or K-12 teacher giving requests. One great benefit of using MOOCs is the flexibility and informality. Students can work out of the comfort of their homes or anywhere with internet access. The only issue posing would be the dropout rate. I see many students being irresponsible due to the fact that the MOOCs are laid-back, relaxed settings. They will need to stay on task and focused. Yet, because of the formality of the course, students can feel free to enter into MOOCs and leave. In the future, perhaps MOOCs can expand more to the higher education level, rather than just K-12.
Question 1: How could MOOCs be used in the classroom?
Face-to-face instruction is often essential for many students. They need
to see and hear things before they can begin to understand. However, I see this program being used for students who are unable to attend class. Either they have a physical disability or cannot attend their classes for a period of time. Even if a student is sick or staying at home, they have the opportunity to be able to participate in their classroom activities and still learn. Plus, MOOCs offer a great experience for collaboration with other students the the sharing of knowledge and ideas.
Question 2: Are MOOCs secure?
Yes! Some MOOCs can be password protected, and require. On the contrary however, the point of the MOOC is to be "open".
Sunday, April 28, 2013
Thursday, April 25, 2013
Journal 8: Adaptive Technology
Communication
Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) is a term used for students using different forms of communication rather than oral speech. Some examples of an AAC are sign language, electronic devices, and symbol communication boards. AAC products assist those who have speech or language impairments.
One useful tool that I discovered and find very helpful is the DynaVox Maestro. The Maestro is an electronic device that can assist students who have difficulty in communicating, learning language or literacy, and who are unable to express themselves through speech, gestures, or body language. Similar to an Ipad, the Maestro is lightweight, is touch screen, has built in camera, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth. One of the greatest designs is it's EyeMax design, which . One program it offers is the Gateway to Language and Learning, which contains a core vocabulary list designed to increase one's vocabulary and create personalized messages.This will help students to improve in developing their vocabulary while communicating with peers.
Another benefit for students would be it's customized schedules and checklists. This will help students to become responsible and to stay on task. Students can learn to create a personal daily agenda and accomplish their daily tasks and goals.
This product can be used in the classroom to help the student communicate better with peers and the teachers. The InterAACt supports everyday communication and development of language skills. These devices will help students with special needs to feel that they can communicate equally. Students can then have a better chance of increasing their education while they stay connected to learning through their communication skills.
Another helpful device that requires less technology and is inexpensive is Speech2me. This is an innovative app which is available with the iPhone, iPad, and iPod. The app acts as a voice output communication system, containing over 10,000 images. It is easy to use; the user simply taps on an icon and the word is said aloud. Starting at $25.99, students with communication disabilities can utilize this cost efficient app on many mobile devices.
Accessibility
An input device enables or facilitates handicapped students in working with a computer without needing the use of a mouse or keypad.
Dragon Naturally Speaking is a software program which allows one to communicate with their computer by using their voice. The computer types for them and also follows commands of the voice. This software program would be great for students with physical disabilities limiting their typing ability. Students can still communicate through typing, while letting their computer do the work for them.
A helpful hardware device is the SAM Joystick, which is similar to a mouse but easier to use for people with physical disabilities. The Joystick moves in several directions with the push of the stick. This device requires less hand motion and has all the built in commands, making a mouse no longer needed. In the classroom, students with physical disabilities can still participate in computer based projects or assignments. The Joystick is available for PCs and Mac computers at an affordable price.
Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) is a term used for students using different forms of communication rather than oral speech. Some examples of an AAC are sign language, electronic devices, and symbol communication boards. AAC products assist those who have speech or language impairments.
One useful tool that I discovered and find very helpful is the DynaVox Maestro. The Maestro is an electronic device that can assist students who have difficulty in communicating, learning language or literacy, and who are unable to express themselves through speech, gestures, or body language. Similar to an Ipad, the Maestro is lightweight, is touch screen, has built in camera, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth. One of the greatest designs is it's EyeMax design, which . One program it offers is the Gateway to Language and Learning, which contains a core vocabulary list designed to increase one's vocabulary and create personalized messages.This will help students to improve in developing their vocabulary while communicating with peers.Another benefit for students would be it's customized schedules and checklists. This will help students to become responsible and to stay on task. Students can learn to create a personal daily agenda and accomplish their daily tasks and goals.
This product can be used in the classroom to help the student communicate better with peers and the teachers. The InterAACt supports everyday communication and development of language skills. These devices will help students with special needs to feel that they can communicate equally. Students can then have a better chance of increasing their education while they stay connected to learning through their communication skills.
Another helpful device that requires less technology and is inexpensive is Speech2me. This is an innovative app which is available with the iPhone, iPad, and iPod. The app acts as a voice output communication system, containing over 10,000 images. It is easy to use; the user simply taps on an icon and the word is said aloud. Starting at $25.99, students with communication disabilities can utilize this cost efficient app on many mobile devices. Accessibility
An input device enables or facilitates handicapped students in working with a computer without needing the use of a mouse or keypad.
Dragon Naturally Speaking is a software program which allows one to communicate with their computer by using their voice. The computer types for them and also follows commands of the voice. This software program would be great for students with physical disabilities limiting their typing ability. Students can still communicate through typing, while letting their computer do the work for them.
A helpful hardware device is the SAM Joystick, which is similar to a mouse but easier to use for people with physical disabilities. The Joystick moves in several directions with the push of the stick. This device requires less hand motion and has all the built in commands, making a mouse no longer needed. In the classroom, students with physical disabilities can still participate in computer based projects or assignments. The Joystick is available for PCs and Mac computers at an affordable price.
Thursday, April 18, 2013
Journal 7-My Personal Learning Network
A PLN is defined as a Personal Learning Network. A PLN is a online tool for members of a website to gather information from and learn from others. I created several different PLNs through Twitter, Diigo, and "The Educator's PLN" websites. These PLN sources will allow me to connect with other educators and learn from them as they share their findings or experiences. It also gives me the chance to express my ideas or any useful information or resources that I discover.
Twitter is a web-based social networking tool that allows users with live streams to post short updates and web posts on their page. Followers are then notified with "tweets" that share the post. I created a Twitter account in order to follow and receive news feed of several educators, my fellow cohorts in the CSUSM credential program, and also to participate in educational chats. Some of the groups I am following are The Inspired Classroom, TFA Math Teachers, Mathematics Teacher, Diane Ravitch, Lisa Dabbs, as well as several other educators. I chose to follow them because I am focused on earning a single subject credential in mathematics. I enjoy reading their notifications, often on methods of teaching, their personal experiences, and great resources and tools they have discovered. Additionally I use TweetDeck to organize the groups I am following and to participate in online educational chats. I am following #ntchat (New Teacher Chat), #teachmath, #mathteacher, #mathchat, and #ed422. Through Twitter and TweetDeck, I participated in the New Teacher Chat (#ntchat) on Wednesday, March 27. Our topic was "Earth Day" and we shared several ideas on involving students in preserving the planet and teaching them about earth day. I enjoyed reading the comments of Jerry Blumergarten (cybrayman1), Elizabeth Peterson (eliza peterson), and Lisa Dabbs. Since they are current educators, they offered many creative ideas and share their stories of teaching experiences.
Additionally, I use Diigo to connect with others as well as to keep track of the many websites that I utilize and enjoy. Diigo is a great tool for bookmarking websites, as it not only bookmarks websites, but also allows one to highlight and write notes pertaining to interesting information. Diigo can be used on any computer and allows one to share their favorite websites with others. I bookmarked several math websites that I found useful for future math educators. Some include mathematical websites with educational games and interesting methods of teaching. Diigo also allows me to follow other members. I am currently following Susan Glassett who is a National Board Certified Teacher in Mathematics. I also enjoy reading her findings since they are pertaining to mathematics.Additionally I am following several educators and some educational teachers. They always offer great resources for teaching as well as connecting to other educators to exchange educational ideas and techniques. I also created several tags connecting me to my PLNs. I have tags for twitter feeds as well as . This helps to always stay connected with the thoughts of others. I have a tag for The Educator's PLN, which is a great tool for connecting to other teachers.
The best way to learn about education, is through the eyes of a current educator. I became a member of the Educator's PLN, which allows me to connect with other teachers and to share my educational ideas. The public networking site offers videos, podcast, forums, educational events, and educational chat groups. I found the forums quite interesting. There are some on bullying, integrating multicultural day into the classroom, and obtaining resources for the classroom. I watched several of the videos but the video "SMART Boards Why are They so Easy to Use?" was very inventive. I was never aware of these types of touch screen-interactive white boards but find the boards necessary in all classrooms. I believe students will love the new technology of white boards. No more needing dry-erase pens or needing to erase white boards. It is similar to a computer and easy to utilize, but one can navigate the board using a touch point pen or even with their finger. In the future, I no longer see a use for marker white boards of black chalk boards. Lesson Software is also available, helping teachers to create activities. The new smart boards engage the students and will make learning more fun and interactive. From my PLN, I have gained many ideas as to how I would like to teach my future classroom. From lesson plans, to mathematical activities, I find it highly beneficial to connect and collaborate with experienced educators so that I can learn from their triumphs and trials.
Additionally, I use Diigo to connect with others as well as to keep track of the many websites that I utilize and enjoy. Diigo is a great tool for bookmarking websites, as it not only bookmarks websites, but also allows one to highlight and write notes pertaining to interesting information. Diigo can be used on any computer and allows one to share their favorite websites with others. I bookmarked several math websites that I found useful for future math educators. Some include mathematical websites with educational games and interesting methods of teaching. Diigo also allows me to follow other members. I am currently following Susan Glassett who is a National Board Certified Teacher in Mathematics. I also enjoy reading her findings since they are pertaining to mathematics.Additionally I am following several educators and some educational teachers. They always offer great resources for teaching as well as connecting to other educators to exchange educational ideas and techniques. I also created several tags connecting me to my PLNs. I have tags for twitter feeds as well as . This helps to always stay connected with the thoughts of others. I have a tag for The Educator's PLN, which is a great tool for connecting to other teachers.
The best way to learn about education, is through the eyes of a current educator. I became a member of the Educator's PLN, which allows me to connect with other teachers and to share my educational ideas. The public networking site offers videos, podcast, forums, educational events, and educational chat groups. I found the forums quite interesting. There are some on bullying, integrating multicultural day into the classroom, and obtaining resources for the classroom. I watched several of the videos but the video "SMART Boards Why are They so Easy to Use?" was very inventive. I was never aware of these types of touch screen-interactive white boards but find the boards necessary in all classrooms. I believe students will love the new technology of white boards. No more needing dry-erase pens or needing to erase white boards. It is similar to a computer and easy to utilize, but one can navigate the board using a touch point pen or even with their finger. In the future, I no longer see a use for marker white boards of black chalk boards. Lesson Software is also available, helping teachers to create activities. The new smart boards engage the students and will make learning more fun and interactive. From my PLN, I have gained many ideas as to how I would like to teach my future classroom. From lesson plans, to mathematical activities, I find it highly beneficial to connect and collaborate with experienced educators so that I can learn from their triumphs and trials.
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