Course Reflection

I have found this course very helpful; it forced me to move passed “the why” to the use technology in the classroom to “the how” to use technology in the classroom. Prior to taking the class, I really had no idea of the benefits of web 2.0. I knew that the web had changed, and the way I used it changed, but I never really stopped to think about how it changed, and how I could use it as a learning tool. Given the safety of the environment, and the support of my colleagues, I felt encouraged to step out of my comfort zone and challenge myself.

Blogging In the Classroom

I was concerned with my Writing Proficiency class, their journal entries were getting progressively worse instead of better. I found that students were becoming very lazy with their journal writing. It wasn’t just the content, but the grammar and spelling. They were not paying attention to detail, and making very careless mistakes – I was worried that their writing skills were regressing! Something had to be done…

TEACHER 2.0 SOME THOUGHTS ON THE “HOW” TO BECOME TEACHER 2.0

 What is our role, and how are we going to define our roles in the age of WEB 2.0.  First, let’s identify what are some of the  concerns we have with becoming teacher 2.0; is it the technology?  are we worried about becoming redundant? or we are feeling uncomfortable using the technology? worried that the technology will not work during the lesson? I have been asking myself, WHERE DO I START?  

EARCOS 2009

 

The theme/ focus of this years conference was “Our Global Impact: My Responsibility”. The keynote speakers certainly emphasized this point, the facts, and the pictures showing the current state of the world is daunting; yet they left me feeling hopeful about the future.  

Although, the world is in a crisis, the focus was on the “positive” what we are doing right, and what we need to do to mitigate further damage.

 Alan Atkisson, William Lishman, and John Lu were very dynamic and thought provoking speakers; however, I must admit that I was really impressed with the student keynote speakers. Specifically, Alexandra Eduque, at the risk of sounding biased, I really feel that Alex spoke from her heart.  She has restored my faith in the next generation – she captured the essence of what it means to be a “global citizen.” 

http://www.earcos.org/etc2009/

Pecha Kucha and the art of liberating constraints

 

“Pecha Kucha and the art of liberating constraints”: Zen Presentations 

“Less is More….”

 

This method of doing a power point presentation is very effective, it helps you to keep in mind that

“Less is More”- it is good for students to practice!  It forces you to keep in mind the point of the presentation, who is my audience, and how can I communicate my message in six minutes and forty seconds. This is definitely, a technique I will use with my classes. Facilitating the opportunity for my students to learn and practice this type of presentation, will assist them in becoming better researchers as well as oral communicators

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http://www.presentationzen.com/presentationzen/2007/09/pecha-kucha-and.html

“Engage Me or Enrage Me”:

I must admit when I read the article I was a little put off, even a bit defensive….

Teacher 2.0

 

The  WHY we need to use technology in the classroom !

Peg’s Profile

I teach English as a Second Language in the middle and high school. I teach ESL 3, which is a mix of grade six, seven and eight. In the high school I teach Intermediate Communication Skills (grade nine), Advanced Writing Support ((grade nine and ten) and a Writing Proficiency class which is a mix of grade nines, tens, and elevens.

Web 2.0

Does web 2.0 change teaching and learning? If so, how? (If not, why not?)

 Yes, I believe that it does change teaching and learning.

The web 2.0 is definitely more user friendly, one does not have to have a lot of technical expertise in order to use the web 2.0. This is evident with the wide use of wiki’s and blogs; anyone who has anything to say can set up a wiki or a blog and communicate with each other via the internet. The web 2.0 is very interactive and it enables the average person to connect and communicate whether it’s for academic and business purposes, or just staying in touch with family and friends.  

For Discussion

 1. Just because technology is available, should we be using it?

2. What kind of technology are you using and why?

3. How could technology be used in the classroom?