Summary of Information Communication Technologies Class

           This will be my final post necessary for ICT class, but this blog will live on, albeit more irregular posting. The class was easily the most interesting class I took this semester. I went from less then moderate technology use to performing tasks with technology I never thought I would do. The different technological aspects and required activities broadened my horizon of what was possible in my classroom. The necessity of using digital storytelling, podcasts, and videos in the class can truly engage the students in learning. The sheer amount of teacher resources available on sites such as pinterest, makes the need for technology a requirement. Throughout the class I have learned a variety of methodologies that could be employed within my class in regards to technology.
            The resources for teachers on-line are enormous. Sites such as Pinterest and Teacherspayteachers make the availability of resources virtually infinite. Teachers could also create rubrics with Rubistar. The technology that teachers can utilize in the classroom is vast. Using social media like Twitter, Facebook, and social bookmarking teachers can network with other teachers and expand the "teachers lounge".
            I have already begun planning ideas that integrate ICT in my student placements, especially the idea of using my class website and utilizing digital storytelling and video making. I will also use photo editing as a quick activity or as something to engage student interest in a particular topic. I would use Wordle for quick student brainstorming. Then if we wanted to save the image we could use Jing to capture the image. Student engagement is at a pinnacle when you use makes things relevant and meaningful to their lives, especially the use of technology. The students I have taught previously always unanimously voted to use computers when the choice was presented and were always careful to express their gratitude afterwards. Student blogging for reflection and metacognition would be excellent for student engagement and a more personal and meaningful student connection to the subject material. I feel that receiving and getting assignments on time will be facilitated by the use of Google Docs, Email, and the Class website. Organizers such as Pearltrees or Symbaloo could help students organize information while they are doing research or if the class frequently visits the site. Using technology in a varied schedule will increase student incentive to produce quality work on time.
            Images, information, and YouTube/ other internet videos can be placed into a Prezi or Power point and shown in class relatively easy. For digital storytelling students could use sites and programs such as Slideshare, Storybird, or Prezi. Students could use the free program Audacity to record their voice. Students could then put their voice over a soundtrack and edit their recording. Students could use Jamendo for legal and free music. Students could also do this for a more stress free presentation, building their public speaking talents. Video conferencing programs such as Skype could be utilized to bring in guest speakers to the classroom from around the world. This may also relax the presenter, not having to be physically speaking in front of the class. Hopefully utilizing this technology and strategy in the classroom will give students an advantage in their future endeavours.

Movie making to the maximum

This past week our group has been producing videos at the same speed as a production corporation. We brainstormed a few ideas and then began experimenting. The first task we assigned ourselves was signing up for a Youtube account. Once the account was set, we went to the help section to further our knowledge. Then, with the camera recharged, we filmed a quick video called Fun with Flags, a spoof of the Big Bang Podcast of the same namesake.

After this first attempt was completed, after numerous retakes, we proceeded to make our next video for ICT class. Utilizing the camera in the classroom we shot a video with a hilarious script. We wanted to pay homage to the classical genre of antagonist and protagonist ragtime cinema. So the video proceeded with this idea in mind. After filming the various scenes we downloaded the video to iMovie. We had to familiarize ourselves with the program, which was relatively simple. We order the scenes and applied a black and white filter. Each of the individual scenes we silenced. We added title slides from iMovie that copied the ragtime feel and add our text. Then after the film was correct, we added background ragtime piano music from Jamendo, a site with free legal creative commons music. We were, to say the least, pleased with the final video.

Video production is relatively quick and easy. I would love to build lessons around video production. This activity is highly engaging, cooperative, and completely interactive. Students can feel real tangible pride in this form of creative production. Absolutely fun.

Digital Storytelling

Digital Storytelling is an excellent method for bringing course material alive with photos and music. In order to mix and render your voice over a soundtrack you need audacity, in order to save record sound as an MP3 relatively easily. You can also edit your recording as well! I will be using digital storytelling in the class in order to gain student interest and free up some time for me. My students can also learn to use these programs for presentations if they are too nervous to speak out load. I prefer using slide share because it allows you to upload a power-point that you can modify rather simply and upload a MP3 sound file you can time with your slides. But I have used some of the following for storytelling:

• Prezi
• goanimate.com
• Google Maps
• Comic Life
• Story bird
• Slide Share
• Windows Movie Maker
• Animoto

SmartBoard

The Smart-board is a central and essential piece of technology in most classrooms. This device allows the user numerous features, enables further technological integration, quick access to information, fast manipulation, allows cooperative student involvement, and student participation. I had experienced the Smart-board during my first placement and mainly just used it for Power point and writing student comments and notes. Students used the Smart-board when we played guessing games that involved drawing. I would give each student a card with something to draw related to the lesson I was teaching, it was an excellent method to engage students. The handwriting recognition on the board is extremely helpful with EAL students. I used this effectively with my EAL students and they really enjoyed interacting with the technology. The Smart-board is also excellent for basic things you want to show the class like searching the web and showing videos. So for sure I want a Smart-board in my class!

Social Bookmarking

Social bookmarking is an excellent way to organize a complex plethora of information relatively easily. You can add links that allow fast access from one site. Diigo, Symbaloo, and Pearl Tree are three bookmarking sites that I am now using. Pearl Tree is easily my favourite and the most user friendly. You can link pearls into related groups of information. I will definitely employ bookmarking in the classroom, in order to highlight and save important website that I or my students may use. My students may also do this to recall website that I deem useful or pertinent. 

Literacy with ICT

My classroom will integrate a wide range of digital technology devices. It will be BYOD (bring your own device). Technology is now essential to learning today. Technology enables students to access any information they want at the click of a button. We live in exponential and exciting times! We need to exploit our students knowledge of technology. As educators we should guide our students in the responsible use of technology and how to think critically about the sources they find. All my lesson will in some way involve an aspect of technology such as computers, projector, Smart board, etc. Students need to know how to use technology appropriately to be responsible adults.

Vygotsky and technology

Vygotsky's research on childhood development can be applied to children and their use of technology. Vygotsky's theory revolves around the social interaction of children that leads to a greater level of development. I think that the use of social media such as Hotmail, Facebook  twitter, or Google docs can enable students in the classroom to perform at higher levels because of the positive interaction. Students operate best within their zone of proximal development (ZPD), and students can have a higher ZPD when amongst higher cognitively functioning peers. So, I strongly believe social media used responsibly for education can be greatly beneficial.

Experience through Weebly Live Training

The live training on Weebly is extremely helpful for someone who is beginning but wants to look advanced! The support staff shows you how to add your own background images by editing the html code, an advanced strategy. You can definitely expand your initial template immensely. The quick tips and information the video provides in the beginners section allows you to build a quick knowledge base. My e-portfolio is coming along at a rapid pace and has a sharp, professional feel. The videos give your site an advantage over others by providing those little inside details.

Here is the link to awesomeness: http://help.weebly.com/live-training.html

Social Media and the Teenage Brain

Today in Chris Brown's class, Adolescent Development, we watched Nature of Things with David Suzuki. The episode dealt with the nature of the teenage brain, how it develops with interaction with the environment and dispelling myths about the teenager. Teenagers today are the authorities on technology and social media, something that influences business, education, and commerce across the globe. They are at the forefront of a dynamic new field, in which they can interact on the large scale with many friends expressing and sharing ideas, opinions, and information that all aids development. The brain at this stage absorbs the information from the environment so teenagers develop exponentially. Impulsive actions and risk taking are part of teenager development and should be allowed. Teenagers can flourish on-line by simply playing around and building their knowledge through interaction. Students, as a result, should be allowed to explore their potential.

Website construction

So today I have begun full scale construction of my weebly-based site. I have created a word cloud with a collection of words related to ICT and education. The word cloud is now my title picture, it looks great. I have chosen an appropriate design, simple and sharp, to convey myself as a professional. I established a number of pages that include my resume, classroom management plan, my story, an introduction, a blog, and  professional development and experience. The site will continuously be a work in progress as I will contribute to it throughout my career. Below is my site URL:

http://jeremyroberts.weebly.com/index.html

Guest Speakers in Class

Today in ICT class we had to guest speakers from St. James school division. As a class we learned about creative commons and photo sharing. The site, Compfight.com, was an excellent resource for photos. Teachers need access to resources that do not violate legal barriers and sites like this make that possible. Using metaphorical thinking we can connect ideas with photos. Pixlr allows for simple and concise photo editing with some interesting design options. The site truly great, highly recommended. Here is the image I created in class today:

After we accomplished the editing process we shared it on Dropitto.me. I think I will definitely employ this technology in my classroom. 

First Blog Post Ever

Learning the process of establishing a blog was relatively easy. With quick access such as this to share and express ideas and opinions, blogging may be something that I will continue to do, possibly even with my class. I have gone head first into the possibilities of using information and communication technology, started my first blog and website on the same day. Whoa! Actually learned to use three different web page sites: Yola, wikispaces, and weebly. What a good start to a complete new world!