The Internet is making us..............?

Is the internet making us smart or stupid?

 

In my opinion the internet is making us smarter. There are so many applications the internet has to offer that can increase our knowledge. There is unlimited amount of information on a wide variety of topics. The internet has helped me answer movie questions (come on you all know you can't think of the actor's name so you go to IMDB), solved chemistry problems, pinned recipes, home decor and wedding ideas. The internet is expanding our PLN to reach the ends of the world. We are no longer stuck in a school staff room. We can now expand it across the world and get expert opinions brought into the classroom by a click or keystroke.  Students are no longer limited to the teachers opinion or the textbook information. Instead there is a whole world of information.

I have read the article by Nicholas Carr and contemplated his opinion. He compares the people who use digital media and lap tops in a classroom to those who do not. The research behind the theory has these students complete tests. However, in education we are learning that tests may not be the best measure of student success. Those these students may have scored lower on the tests who is to say they didn't comprehend the information. A test is only one form of assessment. I think it is bias to base a theory on one form of assessment. We are taught in education to provide many forms of assessment and bring in differentiated instruction. The same should be said for these studies. I disagree with the fact the internet is holding back our potential. I believe it is helping us in creating a collaborative learning environment. If someone posts a question or idea online it could be answered or create a ripple effect of useful information. Yes, some sites are useless and unreliable but in order to better out educational system we must incorporate technology.

Thank you

Jen Falk

"Teach long and prosper"- Star Trek

Presentastic

WOW is all I can say to every groups powerful presentation. I am so excited to have all of my classmates in my PLN. I know they will generate new ideas, resources and valuable information that will help me in my career.

As the presentations were under way I was pondering my feelings on the good the bad and the ugly of the internet. I believe there are many good aspects the the internet but there are also some bad and some super ugly. However, I think it is our job as educators to guide students in their internet journey. We need to educate them on their responsibilities. My goal as a teacher is to have every student in my class make a positive contribution to the internet. This could be through a blog post, a presentation on slide share or a website. I believe in this parable "give a man a fish he eats for a day but teach a man to fish he eats for a lifetime". I think it works the same way with the internet. If we just show them a positive aspect of the internet they will forget it but if we teach them digital responsibility they will have a lifetime of knowledge.

Picture link

Another topic I was pondering during the presentation was on citing resources. I think I need to go back to all my PowerPoints and cite my pictures. Before I took this class I was to lazy to link the my pictures or I just didn't really understand why. Now I understand why, if it was my picture that was being used I would want credit for it. The same goes with what I have taken off the internet. How can I expect my students to cite their resources if I will not do the same. Therefore, I need to change my slides and reinforce the message of giving credit where credit is due. This will help my students in the future and teach them digital responsibility.

Thanks

Jen Falk

"Teach long and prosper"-Star Trek

The Futuristic Approach

Picture link

When I look into the future I see BYOD being a major part of educational system. Most people won't let go of their cell phone, it has become permanent body appendage. Therefore, most of our students will have their cell phones or 3G devices with them at all times. If they have them why not make use of them. Educate the students on how to use them as a tool in the classroom and not a distraction.

If we do not implement technology into the classroom we are going back in time. In today's world more people would rather work on a computer to complete assignments then with a pen and paper. As educators we must move with the times and adjust our teaching styles to fit with the times. However, we need to know why we are implementing technology into the classroom. This is a big issue because many people know to implement the technology (such as videos, classroom websites, blog and PLN) but they don't know why. To me the why is about connecting with students and providing unlimited resources/ information at their fingertips. As a science teacher I may not know all the information or be able to answer the obscure questions students may ask. Technology allows us to answer the question as a class and work collaboratively. I believe that technology will also help those students who are struggling and need extra help. I found this video and I love the fact that technology helps this sick boy attend school and participate in class

Technology can play a major role in our educational system. However, we must educate students on digital literacy and the responsibilities that come with using technology.

Thanks

Jen Falk

"Teach long and prosper"-Star Trek

Follow the Yellow Brick Road

As one of our tech task we were asked to follow an Edublogger. This was a challenge for me because there are so many different ones out there. I wanted to find one that fit my style. I was scrolling though the Edublogger list when I found it. The title of the blog is Stump the Teacher by John Stumpenhorst. After I read his about me page I immediately knew this was the one I would write about

"I am a 6th grade Language Arts and Social Science teacher in suburban Chicago, IL. In addition, I am a basketball coach, computer club advisor, and aspiring Jedi."

He had me at aspiring Jedi! I love Star Wars and Star Trek and knew he would have some great posts. Check out this video he posts on his about me page

http://youtu.be/jGoYYTtTHA8
 It was awesome that he got his students involved in making the video and the Jedi tricks were spectacular.

Stuff he does

• He has the class tweet in their discussions and then posts these tweets to his blog
• He has video tutorials on Google Docs/ Twitter/ Blogging/ Crazy talk and many other forms of technology teachers can use
• He has many presentations on slide share about building a PLN
• He has a resource page that is dripping with knowledge

Why to follow him
He is not just blogging about what he is doing but his thoughts on world issues, education, gun control, PLN's and Star Wars. His blog encourages change within the class room and shows how to avoid the dark side of the force

Thanks

Jen Falk

"Teach long and prosper"-Star Trek

A Spider Web of Courses

During Thursday's presentation I learned a lot about online courses. I learned why they are used, how they are used and how to use the Blackboard program. I have taken many online courses for my Undergraduate degree because of sports. It allowed me to complete my course work online while on road trips. Most of the online classes I took were biology or upper division writing courses. I found them pretty easy and it helped that my fellow teammates were in the same online classes. We would often have road trip study sessions and listen to lectures (The buses we took had WiFi). The assessments for the biology courses were tests taken at the University. Therefore, I would make my test date and go and complete it at the University. The Professors were always available for help and made time to answer my questions online or in person. I have had a very positive experience taking online classes. However, I could not imagine taking math, physics or chemistry online. I am very visual learner and I need the kinethestic interaction in order to achieve success.

Online courses are a great way to offer classes that:

• May not be available (Either too little interest in school or course was never offered)
• The students may be away most of the year (Due to sports, music, illness, etc)
• Do not do well in a classroom setting

I think online classes are a great opportunity for students. However, I do agree with what Brooke said in class that we are losing teaching jobs. Many classes can be offered through ITV which means that there are less jobs. This is a concern for me because I am looking to get a job this fall but the market is shrinking drastically. In the divisions I am looking to work in they are big enough that no classes are offered via ITV. However, in smaller rural divisions there may be only 1 Physics, Chemistry or History job for that whole division. Before there may have been 5 or 6 jobs available. With less and less teachers retiring and more online classes our jobs may be in jeopardy.

I love that they showed us how to get free access to Blackboard. I have never used the program before but I am now registered and ordered all the science and math courses. I am very excited to use it as a resource. It will also be a good resource for when I have to create a sub plan because they can complete one of the lesson online.

Thank you

Jen Falk

"Teach long and prosper"- Star Trek

This is InfoCrazy

What is it?
Infographics are data visualization tools. They give a visual representation of stats, data, signs, maps and charts. They catch your eye right away and provide boring information in a new and different way. They provide easy to read illustrations that help make the data easier to understand.

Classroom Use
I love this for an option on a class project. I was just making my respiratory outline and put in a project for respiratory disease. I am going to give them the option to make an infographic on their disease. This is great for an information poster and it is very easy to make and follow. Most teachers just have one option to make a boring old poster. I have options for glogster and now infographics (as well as other options). These allow for differentiated learning in the classroom and allows for different forms of assessment.

Retrieved from: http://biology-forums.com/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view;id=8465

Retrieved from: http://visual.ly/acidity

I loved these infographics because they fit my science needs and I know where I can use them. These are visually appealing and provide the correct information.

My Infographic
I created my own Infrographic. However it is not based on anything related to technology or science. Instead I picked Star Trek and Star Wars (Some what science). I also used google fight to collect some data and then made the two fight it out.
Click here to see: http://infogr.am/Star-wars-vs-Star-T/

You should also view this Infographic on the same subject and it is fantastic.
Click here for link: 
http://www.geeksaresexy.net/2012/09/03/technological-superiority-star-wars-vs-star-trek-infographic/
http://infogr.am/Star-wars-vs-Star-T/
The person did an awesome job and went very in depth. I want to live up to this and I hope to make infographics a part of my classroom.

Thank you

Jen Falk

"Teach long and prosper"- Star Trek

2 Peas in a Pod Cast

Pod Cast Series: Grammar Girl Quick and Dirty Tips for Better Writing

Description
Provides short friendly tips on grammar, punctuation, style and other tips to help make you a successful writer

Why 
I loved this Pod Cast because it gave a mini lessons on the writing process. I have always struggled with writing (I still think the semi colon is an under used punctuation) so this was a great series for me. Since, I was out of high school I have had my brother (who loves to correct my grammar during everyday conversation) proof read my papers. Every time he destroys my writing. He says I have good ideas and make valid points. However, my punctuation and grammar is terrible. When he sends my papers back it is dripping with red. This year I will be applying for jobs and need an awesome cover letter. This series gave me great insight into these areas

• who VS that
• How to complete APA format
• How to use quotes
• Proper use of verbs and nouns
• Proper use of punctuation 
• etc....

Use it in class
I will hopefully be teaching science or math in the future and I would definitely use this pod cast series in my classroom. We are not just content area teachers we are teachers of English and grammar as well. In science class students need to learn how to cite, write research papers and complete lab reports. We expect that our students learn how to do this in an English classroom (or at least the format). However, it is our job as educators to help guide the students on their writing journey.

Future of pod cast
I think it is a great idea to use pod casts in the classroom. There are many great pod casts that aid in the learning process. It also brings different views into the classroom. Eventually I want to record myself teaching the class and then post it to the classroom website. This will help students who could not attend class or act as a review. This encourages student learning and allows them to take more responsibility for their learning

Thank you

Jen Falk

"Teach long and prosper"-Star Trek

Show me your GRAPHICS Ill tell you about my NOVEL

How to create an 
Online Graphic Novel

 

I created a graphic novel on Comic master http://www.comicmaster.org.uk/ This is a great option for an assignemnt. This allows students to be creative (even if they cannot draw) they can represent the information they have gained through a graphic novel (Reading, thinking study strategy).

I would use this in my science classroom as an option for assignments

Examples:

• Dottie the Dipole- Graphic novel of the life of a dipole
• ATP- the superhero characteristics of ATP
• Blood cell- The journey of a blood cell 

All of these are different ways to represent the concept and show the student's understanding. This program does not have very many options but it is an easy way to begin a graphic novel.

How to use Comic Master

Click here to see my Prezi

http://prezi.com/jl_xwuezusxm/show-and-tell/?kw=view-jl_xwuezusxm&rc=ref-10739766

Thank you

Jen Falk

"Teach long and prosper"- Star Trek

The Unstoppable Force of Videos

In today's society videos are a crucial part of communicating and transferring information. Anna retweeted a link to Minute Physics (A Youtube Channel)

http://www.youtube.com/user/minutephysics

This is a great channel if you are struggling to find a different way to present physics topics. Physics can be a scary subject for students because it includes math and theory (these things scare most people). This channel and all the videos are created by Henry Reich who has a love for science. He creates the video by drawing on a piece of paper/ whiteboard and then commenting on the drawing. It is a visual and auditory way to provide information. The videos keep students interested and helps explain concepts.

I will be teaching Physics 30S this spring and I plan on incorporating Minute Physics videos into my lesson plans. I am not sure what unit I will be teaching. Therefore, I hope there will be a relevant video for my unit.

Other videos I like to use

Mr Bean in the Chemistry lab
Why

This is a great introduction for lab safety. I like to use it as an activating video to help students get engaged and adds a little comedy to class

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6aK2CKrdjbE

Music Videos
Why

I recently subbed in a choir class this past December. The teacher had thought his sub was qualified to teach choir (I have no musical talent). Therefore, the lesson plan entailed me to play the piano and conduct the choir. Needless to say this did not go well at all. I had to get a student to play the piano and count the choir in. I finally admitted defeat and went to Youtube videos. I showed them acapella groups, local talent and other videos. It kept them entertained and after class some of the students asked me for the name of the songs and the artist.

Here are some I used
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WSUFzC6_fp8
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Fe11OlMiz8
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IrNcD34KFhM

My Top Ten Reasons to Use Videos in the Classroom

1. Engaging Students
2. Visual aid
3. Global Connection
4. Different spin on concepts
5. Customize Videos
6. Digital Footprint
7. Activating
8. More access for students
9. Digital Society
10. PLN

Thank you

Jen Falk

"Teach long and prosper"-Star Trek

Technology at home

Welcome to a snow day

Well I was stuck in Altona for the weekend because of massive snow drifts on the road. As I was completing homework in my parents living room I looked around for technology.
List of Technology in the Falk house hold when everyone is home (Mom, Dad, Brother, Sister-in law, Fiance and me)

• 6 iPhones
• 1 Apple TV
• 1 Apple sketch pad
• 3 Apple Computers
• 4 other computers
• 1 iPad
• 1 iPad mini
• 1 Tablet
• 1PS3
• 2 Wii's
• 3 Printers

You can say my family is a little crazy for technology being that my Dad is a computer engineer (he came out of retirement) and my brother is a graphic designer. Therefore, when we get together everyone has their device out and we show our favorite Youtube videos, websites and other humorous events on the internet. Some of these things I cannot share with my future students but sometimes my family helps me find new resources. My family also helps me with my technological problems and creating videos and websites. I guess what I am trying to get at is my family is also included in my PLN and gatherings are a great way for me to bring current topics, new videos and websites into the classroom.

Thanks

Jen Falk

"Teach long and prosper"- Star Trek

Tweet my Peeps

Previous thoughts on twitter

When twitter first came out I didn't understand the process or concept. Twitter seemed to be a lost cause of social networking. I had Facebook, so my thought was why do I need twitter. Doesn't it do the same thing? I can update my status, share pictures and it helps me procrastinate. Most of my friends weren't on twitter and thought it was stupid. Therefore, I followed the crowd and didn't set up an account.

But Then.............................

Picture Link

I joined Internet For Educators and was forced to set up a twitter account. I had to discover what twitter was all about and figure out what it meant to #hashtag. I can finally say I like twitter more then I like facebook. I see the benefits in tweeting resources, writing poems, updating events, creating a news feed, and it becomes a facilitator of learning. Twitter can be very benificial in the learning process. However, there need to be rules and regulations set before twitter becomes apart of the classroom.

Thank you

Jen Falk

"Teach long and prosper"- Star Trek

Big Issues in Learning

On Tuesday February 7, 2013 we had Clarence Fisher skyped into our class. He is a Junior High teacher in the town of Snowlake. Clarence talked to us about the big issues in learning and the importance of learning networks.

He talked about how his students communicated and completed projects with classes around world. I find this amazing that students would work on their school project with other students from across the world when they didn't have school. They were so intrigued with the learning process that students spent their free day doing school work.

Clarence talked about digital skills and how they are under rated in the education system. Today's students can use the computer/ iPad and other devices before they learn how to read and write. It is our job as educators to teach digital skills in our content areas. In order for students to be successful they need to understand how to find credible sites. They also need to learn how to find the information on their own. We cannot spoon feed students the information. However, before we can teach digital skills we as teachers need to know the digital skills. There should be PD sessions and mandatory information sessions on digital skills in all school divisions. We cannot teach something that we ourselves do not know.

Clarence also brought up another issue, that we implement technology without know the reason why. In my science classroom I want to implement virtual labs because sometimes the budget for labs is not there. Virtual labs also give the students hands on learning and create live animation. It is very important that we know why we are doing something because if we just implement technology for kicks we are not being good teachers.

Thank You

Jen Falk

"Teach long and prosper"- Star Trek

My Digital Footprint

We have been learning a lot about our digital footprint and how it can help make or break your career. In today's society most people are online and you can find an enormous amount of information on them.

I can be found on twitter, facebook, my ePortfolio and my blog
Websites were you can find me are:

http://www.fanbase.com/Jen-Falk

http://student.css.edu/whockey/players.html

http://csssoftball.blogspot.ca/2009_06_01_archive.html

http://www.northlandsnewscenter.com/sports/CSS-softball-ends-with-loss-in-Regionals-121836659.html

http://csssaints.com/news/2010/4/25/SB_0425101143.aspx

http://www.northlandsportsonline.com/news.php?start_from=&ucat=5,273,371&subaction=showfull&id=1304863980&archive=1315242779&

http://www.northlandsnewscenter.com/sports/CSS-softball-ends-with-loss-in-Regionals-121836659.html?m=y&smobile=y

http://umacathletics.com/news/2011/5/7/SB_0507112731.aspx

http://umacathletics.com/mobile/index.aspx?story=3103

http://csssaints.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=2162

http://www.ifallsjournal.com/sports/rrcc/amdahl-ready-to-lead-voyageurs-women/article_9239a804-027f-511c-af2e-376fe1091754.html

http://achahockey.org/player_profile.php?player_id=126009&team_id=13708&league_id=1066

 George Couros left a comment on my last blog post about whether these websites would help or hinder me from getting a job. I think these websites showcase my ability as an athlete and would be beneficial because I would like to coach. Therefore, my sporting achievements let the board now that I know how to play the sport. It also shows that I am capable leader because of my captain position and video postings on team unity. My twitter, blog and ePortfolio will also help me get a job because they showcase my PLN and work as a teacher. I am beginning to tweet education resources and following people who tweet educational resources. These help me to gain more knowledge and create a larger PLN. My blog and ePortfolio represent my opinions and philosophies on teaching. These also help people get to know who I am as a teacher and individual. My facebook is the only account on my digital footprint that worries me. Ever since my senior year of my undergrad degree I began to be more careful about what I post. I took down picture, changed my name and made my privacy settings more powerful. Since I want to teach in a high school and students of this age adore facebook. I feel that I want to keep my personal life more private. I still need facebook to connect with my friends from the states, my travels and different sporting teams. However, I am more aware about what I post and how it would make me look as a future teacher. My online identity shows that I am capable softball and hockey player. It also showcases my ability in the field of education.

Your digital footprint is important because our society is in the digital age. Today's job interview begins with a search of your name. Which can make or break whether you will be considered. I have heard stories of teachers who post inappropriate pictures, posts and comments which lead to their utter demise. However, this is a two-way street many educators can create a following, inspire others and get their ideas out to the world. Our digital footprint will follow us around for the rest of out life and it can either be a permanent blemish on our face or create a wonderful glow.

Here are some websites I found on protecting our digital footprint
http://www.digitalfamilysummit.com/2012/safety-protecting-your-digital-footprint/
http://www.kidsmart.org.uk/digitalfootprints/
http://blogs.utas.edu.au/student-advice/social-networking-protect-your-digital-footprint-and-maintain-a-professional-identity/

The main thing they said on these websites was think socially (use your social smart). To me this means would I want my parents to see this? This is the question I ask myself when I want to post a new photo on facebook. Another big thing was look at your privacy settings and read over the terms of agreement on things you sign up for. There are many precautions you can take to keep a good digital footprint. Therefore, I feel the biggest challenge for me as an educator will be helping students realize how important their footprint is for their future.

Thank you

Jen Falk

"Teach long and prosper"-Star Trek

I put the foot in my footprint

On Thursday George Couros came into our class to talk about our digital footprint and the do's and don't s in an interview. I learned a lot from his presentation and it got me thinking about my digital footprint.

I googled myself and found some interesting things. You can find me on twitter, facebook and my new blog. However, those are not the only websites you can find me on here are links to my digital footprint.

http://www.fanbase.com/Jen-Falk

http://student.css.edu/whockey/players.html

http://csssoftball.blogspot.ca/2009_06_01_archive.html

http://www.northlandsnewscenter.com/sports/CSS-softball-ends-with-loss-in-Regionals-121836659.html

http://csssaints.com/news/2010/4/25/SB_0425101143.aspx

http://www.northlandsportsonline.com/news.php?start_from=&ucat=5,273,371&subaction=showfull&id=1304863980&archive=1315242779&

http://www.northlandsnewscenter.com/sports/CSS-softball-ends-with-loss-in-Regionals-121836659.html?m=y&smobile=y

http://umacathletics.com/news/2011/5/7/SB_0507112731.aspx

http://umacathletics.com/mobile/index.aspx?story=3103

http://csssaints.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=2162

http://www.ifallsjournal.com/sports/rrcc/amdahl-ready-to-lead-voyageurs-women/article_9239a804-027f-511c-af2e-376fe1091754.html

http://achahockey.org/player_profile.php?player_id=126009&team_id=13708&league_id=1066

These are all websites depicting my sporting achievements. There is a lot of information about my St Scholastica Softball career. Overall I am happy with the information I found about myself.

I really enjoyed listen to a principal give advice to first time teachers. He gave a lot of helpful pointers on our digital footprint, interview questions and our ePortfolio. I am still working on my ePortfoilio but I am lacking videos and pictures of me with students. When I was student teaching it never crossed my mind to videotape myself instructing a lab, class or coaching. I will have to make this adjustment in my last placement and try to get some pictures of cool classroom activities.

Thanks

Jen Falk

"Teach long and prosper"- Star Trek