Our school has been the recipient of a grant for a program the children call Kid's College. (I will remind you that I was lacking in the classroom tech field. However, I have made tremendous gains this year. As I have said before, my technology included tape players, CDs, overheads, and anything else that was plugged into the wall!) Our weekly trips to the computer lab have been so successful! The students have learned many basic computer skills including keyboarding, logging into sites, gaming, computer etiquette, sharing limited space, etc. I have a few computers in my classroom but only one is online and the others do not have sound cards. (It is not much fun to try do an activity on a computer that does not have a sound card!)
The activities that the students do on the computer are centered on Reading and Math and it is in a sports format. The more correct answers they get, the longer they get to play. I believe they have increased their personal speed on math facts and raised their scores on state mandated tests as well. It is important that students are exposed to technology, early, in the classroom and begin to gain confidence in this area. As an adult, computers terrified me. In the beginning, I was led to believe that I would erase the entire planets bank accounts, personal information, credit scores, etc., if I ever logged onto a computer and hit the wrong button. Now I know that every mistake that is made can certainly be corrected and that I am not all powerful on the computer. I am determined to see that the students of today are given more opportunities to learn at an early age and not be afraid to try and increase their knowledge in the technology field. I personally believe that video games, ipods, and other "toys" have allowed this generation to be very comfortable and confident with current technology.
Saturday, March 29, 2008
Friday, March 14, 2008
Another "Take" on Distance Learning
Recently, while working on a project with my first grade class, we viewed a National Geographic special called March of the Penguins. It was an spectacular movie showing a year in the life of the Emperor Penguin. The scientists actually lived among the penguins observing their lives, habits, mating, hatching and many other occurances including their amazing ability to weather terrible blizzards and winter storms.
What caught my attention was the technological equipment the scientists used to enhance their study. Among the cameras and video equipment was a device that had invented called a "Critter Cam". This is a scientific tool that is harnessed on an animal. It records audio, video and environmental data that allows scientists to gather information that has never been collected before. The camera attaches to animals with straps and buckles and is able to record the activities of not only the “host” but the other animals in the area. One part of the apparatus is the TDR (Time, Depth Recorder). It is able to now give insight to eating habits, swimming and hunting habits of predators as well.
This is a new way of looking at Distance Learning, in my opinion. With Critter Cams now being used, we are able to gain insight into the lives and habits of many different types of animals that we may not have had the opportunity to study before. This same type of technological tool is being utilized with the meerkats that are so popular on television.
When I was a small child, we would sit as a family and watch TV together on Sunday nights. At some point during the year, Disney would host Jacques Cousteau and his shows on animals. We would sit and see the amazing footage of fish that was taken by human photographers and videographers. I am certain that the shows would have been much more interesting if the Critter Cam had been used. The wildlife would have not been disturbed as much as when the humans were interacting with the animals.
My point is that with devices being utilized, like the Critter Cam, we are able to now see much more, and observe more closely, the previously secret or “distant” lives of animals. We are able to use this footage to instruct our students and have actual pictures and film from which they can learn first hand. We can now teach using equipment that can take us a further distance.
What caught my attention was the technological equipment the scientists used to enhance their study. Among the cameras and video equipment was a device that had invented called a "Critter Cam". This is a scientific tool that is harnessed on an animal. It records audio, video and environmental data that allows scientists to gather information that has never been collected before. The camera attaches to animals with straps and buckles and is able to record the activities of not only the “host” but the other animals in the area. One part of the apparatus is the TDR (Time, Depth Recorder). It is able to now give insight to eating habits, swimming and hunting habits of predators as well.
This is a new way of looking at Distance Learning, in my opinion. With Critter Cams now being used, we are able to gain insight into the lives and habits of many different types of animals that we may not have had the opportunity to study before. This same type of technological tool is being utilized with the meerkats that are so popular on television.
When I was a small child, we would sit as a family and watch TV together on Sunday nights. At some point during the year, Disney would host Jacques Cousteau and his shows on animals. We would sit and see the amazing footage of fish that was taken by human photographers and videographers. I am certain that the shows would have been much more interesting if the Critter Cam had been used. The wildlife would have not been disturbed as much as when the humans were interacting with the animals.
My point is that with devices being utilized, like the Critter Cam, we are able to now see much more, and observe more closely, the previously secret or “distant” lives of animals. We are able to use this footage to instruct our students and have actual pictures and film from which they can learn first hand. We can now teach using equipment that can take us a further distance.
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
Distance Learning
While reading the text assignment on Distance Learning and pondering all the different ways I have been impacted by this subject, I realized that I was in the midst of a DL class at this very minute. This tech class is a perfect example of DL. The definition is "the acquisition of knowledge and skills through mediated information and instruction, encompassing all technologies and other forms of learning at a distance." If this is not DL, then I am not understanding the definition!
I can see that distance learning has its advantages, but if you are a novice in need of constant or even minimal assistance, DL can be hazardous to your health.
Although internet and technology have the advantages of ready access to people and resources, if you are in an emergency situation; say trying to meet deadlines and you cannot get the help you need, you may be in a pickle.
I am all for technology and the conveniences it affords. I can see that DL is a great tool if you are in the situation where you can teach yourself when the time calls for it. There is still the need for qualified educators to immediately meet the individual needs of the students in their charge.
Internet is not the only mode of DL, in fact, traditional mail, in the form of correspondence courses was used and highly popular in the past. Can you imagine the amount of stress in dealing with that type of course? I am certainly pleased that I do not have to wait the weeks and weeks it used to take to communicate with my teachers.
Many advances have been made in the development of DL. There are positives and negatives in all situations. I think DL is a wonderful way to get knowledge to students who live far away or in a “special needs” situation. This is a great way to get students involved in communication with other students around the world. Communication and DL make the world a smaller place and bridge the distance gaps.
I can see that distance learning has its advantages, but if you are a novice in need of constant or even minimal assistance, DL can be hazardous to your health.
Although internet and technology have the advantages of ready access to people and resources, if you are in an emergency situation; say trying to meet deadlines and you cannot get the help you need, you may be in a pickle.
I am all for technology and the conveniences it affords. I can see that DL is a great tool if you are in the situation where you can teach yourself when the time calls for it. There is still the need for qualified educators to immediately meet the individual needs of the students in their charge.
Internet is not the only mode of DL, in fact, traditional mail, in the form of correspondence courses was used and highly popular in the past. Can you imagine the amount of stress in dealing with that type of course? I am certainly pleased that I do not have to wait the weeks and weeks it used to take to communicate with my teachers.
Many advances have been made in the development of DL. There are positives and negatives in all situations. I think DL is a wonderful way to get knowledge to students who live far away or in a “special needs” situation. This is a great way to get students involved in communication with other students around the world. Communication and DL make the world a smaller place and bridge the distance gaps.
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