PodCast and ITunes

I recently recorded a podcast on the New Deal programs to help the students study for their upcoming quiz and test. I found it relatively easy to do and I think the kids would benefit from the material, but also to have my voice in the background reading to them. It probably would simulate the classroom and make them feel more comfortable with the information (I hope!). Also, it would be easy to download to ITunes and make it available for all the kids. They are all addicted to ITunes and I have heard that Mike Becksfort is good at it and the kids enjoy listening to his podcasts. This is yet another tech tool that I thought would be more difficult than what it was!

VoiceThread

I really enjoyed the new technology of VoiceThread. It would be a great way to give the students information (an online PPT as some say) but also the narrative portion that adjoins it is also very helpful. What a great tool to have for kids that are sick and at home or on vacation.

I also think it would be a great group project to give to the students. They could take ownership of the material and some students would really enjoy narrating the process of information. Perhaps on a smaller topic like civil rights or the '60s, the kids could go indepth with the info.

Bloom's Digital Taxonomy

It was interesting to read the piece on digital taxonomy. First, it was a refresher on the different stages of knowledge and classroom comprehension. However, it also gave a good look into the world of technological understanding and application. As stated in the article, the combination of these two "worlds" are critical to future success in the classroom and the real world.

I like to think that I do a godo job of using the "regular" taxonomy in the classroom. While other history classes are focused upon "LOTS" such as rote memorization of dates, places etc., my message to my students and their parents is "big picture" understanding. If they can understand past history and then apply it to the real world today, they will have a greater appreciation for history and will be able to greater understand current events. (ex: Vietnam vs. Iraq/ 1920's vs. today)

The goal (and why I am taking this class) is to continue to learn/understand the vast amount of technological tools available to my students. I'm hoping that by understanding and applying these tools, the "HOTS" will be easier available to all of us. The question is how can we use all of these great tools to more easily facilitate HOTS. Perhaps a SKYPE assignment with the Holocaust Museum/Hebrew Union College to understand the impact of WWII on the Jews???

Going Global: Culture Shock, Convergence and the Future of Education

I enjoyed this keynote address from the k-12 online conference because of its relation to my world history class. Erik Vanags and I are constantly trying to open the eyes of our students and "take off the blinders". While most MHS students are exceptionally bright, sometimes they fail to realize what is going on (esp. culturally) in the rest of the world.

This presentation allowed for me to understand how teachers are using technology in classrooms around the world to try to globally connect these students and classrooms. While I am limited in my knowledge, any additional help would always aid my instruction of teaching these important world concepts.

Skype

I believe that Skype provides the best opportunity within the new technological "gadgets" for my classes. Erik Vanags and I have been working to become more "technologically savvy" and within the World History I curriculum, Skype allows us a great amount of learning activities. We have begun the process of "Skyping" with The History and Discovery Channel's Josh Bernstein to give the kids a one on one interview with him. They enjoy his work and this allows him to speak directly to the kids and tell them that if you study history, you can become more than a history teacher. Skype also gives us the opportunity to communicate with civilizations and other students/schools all across America and the world. The opportunites are endless.

I do need to learn more about Skype, but I'm very excited about it. Hopefully I can continue to learn and begin to use it in the classroom this Spring.