Ok, so today we had Rob and Darren who showed us a lot of cool things. And now I'm kind of pumped about the way in which technology is going. At the same time it's kind of scarey.
First the cool stuff. The sixth sense. No, not the movie. The super cool phone, computer, projecter, camera, and whatever else it does. Amazing. I don't want to go in to specifics about it because I will not do it justice. Somehow find it on youtube and watch it. You'll be impressed. Also all the other forms of technology that allow you to use your cell phones to call in and get voice recordings and transcripts of your call to that number. This allows students to never miss any notes or presentations as you could have them on the internet. It also means that no student could go without writing an essay as they could simply speak into their phone and have it printed back to them. Could this mean that students may be running out of excuses?
Now the scarey stuff. It seems to me like the internet is starting to become a more volatile place. Especially since you cannot delete anything from it. It may appear as if it were gone, but it really isn't. This means that we as educators need to be extra careful about what goes on the internet and know exactly who is taking pictures of what you are doing. Unfortunately one slip up can cost you your career.
But that is my rant for now. Until next time, keep your stick on the ice.
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
The Final Learning Log
For this learning log, we are supposed to say what it is we will remember most from this course and what might stick out for us in the next few years of our lives, even if we do not find our dream jobs. In this log I will touch on what I have taken from this course and will hopefully carry with me.
First, I have learned a lot about aboriginal culture and perspectives. I did not realize how important community, rituals and traditions were to their culture. This is very interesting as many people do not look past their own traditions and rituals. Growing up many people in small have the same values, so the traditions are very similar. But, when you are in a larger community with many different walks of life, then you get to see the various cultures and experiences that other people have. It is very interesting to me, to see the differences between the western views and that of aboriginals. I think that this is something that we as educators will have to embrace in the near future. This is because they views certain aspects of life very different from western society. We must find a way to make this equal for everyone.
The next thing that I think I will remember most from this class, is the presentations and guest speakers. Each speaker and presentation brought their own perspective and own personal story to the class. My personal favourite, and the one that I will definitely remember, is Kevin Tacan. He was a great guest speaker as he brought many interesting stories to the class. Kevin not only gave us interesting stories but also taught us a great deal about his aboriginal culture. He taught us about how their community works and the importance of elders and identity.
Also I learned of the importance of elders to the aboriginal community. It is very interesting to see how elders are used in the aboriginal way of life. They are cornerstones to the aboriginal community and are looked to for guidance with everyone. It is easy to understand why such people are used in this way because they have a wealth of knowledge and understanding of their culture and values. Hopefully I will be able to utilize elders as a resource when I have my own classroom.
Finally, the aspect of this class that I will remember the most is the people. Over the past few years I have spent a lot of time these people and have formed friendships with many of them. I will remember the numerous conversations, arguments, projects and presentations we shared with each other. It was interesting to me to see and hear the different points of view from so many people that are in the same field. Everyone has such strong views and opinions that it has greatly beneficial for my own overall learning experience. It is because of these classmates and professors that I will be the type of teacher that I want to be. Thanks to all of you.
In conclusion, I have stated what it is I think I will remember the most. It is great that I think that I will be able to remember all of these things in the future. But to be honest, there is no knowing what I will and will not remember. I can only hope that I can take some of these experiences with me as I progress with my career. It is the experiences and memories that we take with us that will help us in the classroom and throughout our careers.
And how I usually end all of my blogs, until next time keep your stick on the ice.
First, I have learned a lot about aboriginal culture and perspectives. I did not realize how important community, rituals and traditions were to their culture. This is very interesting as many people do not look past their own traditions and rituals. Growing up many people in small have the same values, so the traditions are very similar. But, when you are in a larger community with many different walks of life, then you get to see the various cultures and experiences that other people have. It is very interesting to me, to see the differences between the western views and that of aboriginals. I think that this is something that we as educators will have to embrace in the near future. This is because they views certain aspects of life very different from western society. We must find a way to make this equal for everyone.
The next thing that I think I will remember most from this class, is the presentations and guest speakers. Each speaker and presentation brought their own perspective and own personal story to the class. My personal favourite, and the one that I will definitely remember, is Kevin Tacan. He was a great guest speaker as he brought many interesting stories to the class. Kevin not only gave us interesting stories but also taught us a great deal about his aboriginal culture. He taught us about how their community works and the importance of elders and identity.
Also I learned of the importance of elders to the aboriginal community. It is very interesting to see how elders are used in the aboriginal way of life. They are cornerstones to the aboriginal community and are looked to for guidance with everyone. It is easy to understand why such people are used in this way because they have a wealth of knowledge and understanding of their culture and values. Hopefully I will be able to utilize elders as a resource when I have my own classroom.
Finally, the aspect of this class that I will remember the most is the people. Over the past few years I have spent a lot of time these people and have formed friendships with many of them. I will remember the numerous conversations, arguments, projects and presentations we shared with each other. It was interesting to me to see and hear the different points of view from so many people that are in the same field. Everyone has such strong views and opinions that it has greatly beneficial for my own overall learning experience. It is because of these classmates and professors that I will be the type of teacher that I want to be. Thanks to all of you.
In conclusion, I have stated what it is I think I will remember the most. It is great that I think that I will be able to remember all of these things in the future. But to be honest, there is no knowing what I will and will not remember. I can only hope that I can take some of these experiences with me as I progress with my career. It is the experiences and memories that we take with us that will help us in the classroom and throughout our careers.
And how I usually end all of my blogs, until next time keep your stick on the ice.
Monday, February 22, 2010
Last week of BLOGGING!!!!! or is it?
Skype, this is very cool. I think that this is something that could be used in an educational and personal level at the same time. This would be great for students to get extra help, especially if they are doing long distance learning or know of someone who can help and show them how to do something. Provides a face to face conversation when distance may not allow so. This is great. It would also be great for long distance families or relationships. Very cool.
The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly. Greatest Presentation Ever. Period.
Video games in the classroom. This seems like a pretty cool option for some students. I think that you could get some students really motivated using some of these games. Have to be sure that you use the games in an educational manor and you don't just give them games for the sake of giving them games. Project Natal, is probably one of the coolest video game formats I have ever seen. I don't want that for the classroom, I want that for my house. That is very cool.
Very good presentations today. Until Next time, keep your stick on the ice.
The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly. Greatest Presentation Ever. Period.
Video games in the classroom. This seems like a pretty cool option for some students. I think that you could get some students really motivated using some of these games. Have to be sure that you use the games in an educational manor and you don't just give them games for the sake of giving them games. Project Natal, is probably one of the coolest video game formats I have ever seen. I don't want that for the classroom, I want that for my house. That is very cool.
Very good presentations today. Until Next time, keep your stick on the ice.
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
February 17
First Up,
Cyberbullying with Jenna-Lee, Cote, Tannis, Laura and Durga. This is a very controversial subject with many of us and schools. It is very interesting to see the different perspectives of everyone in the class. Personally, I think that this can be a very large problem in schools. I would like to see schools, maybe not taking a step back, but remain neutral for a bit with technology. I think that students need to get away from the technology and re-charge their creative juices. But that may just be me because I did not grow up with a lot of techonology.
Next we had Joaney, Katie and Steve. The history of the internet. I found the history part to be very interesting. It was cool to see how the internet has progressed from a minor project to a world wide phenomenom. Now the internet is everywhere, on your, on your ipod, in your home and at school. It's funny how something that seemed so trivial is now in almost every home across the world.
Kelsey, Dan, Justin, Silver Surfer. Filtering. Ya. Kind of funny how the word combinations can distract students. Filtering can be very useful as they have put out. But you can be filtering some of things that you don't want to be. Also they pointed out, the filters are easy to get around for students. Anyone with some technology background can get around these roadblocks. Someone will have to find a better way to filter or monitor the inappropriate sites that students are going on. Some of the other students had some pretty cool experiences with filters and non-filters. Intersting to hear them all.
Well that's all for this week. Until next time, Keep you stick on the ice.
Cyberbullying with Jenna-Lee, Cote, Tannis, Laura and Durga. This is a very controversial subject with many of us and schools. It is very interesting to see the different perspectives of everyone in the class. Personally, I think that this can be a very large problem in schools. I would like to see schools, maybe not taking a step back, but remain neutral for a bit with technology. I think that students need to get away from the technology and re-charge their creative juices. But that may just be me because I did not grow up with a lot of techonology.
Next we had Joaney, Katie and Steve. The history of the internet. I found the history part to be very interesting. It was cool to see how the internet has progressed from a minor project to a world wide phenomenom. Now the internet is everywhere, on your, on your ipod, in your home and at school. It's funny how something that seemed so trivial is now in almost every home across the world.
Kelsey, Dan, Justin, Silver Surfer. Filtering. Ya. Kind of funny how the word combinations can distract students. Filtering can be very useful as they have put out. But you can be filtering some of things that you don't want to be. Also they pointed out, the filters are easy to get around for students. Anyone with some technology background can get around these roadblocks. Someone will have to find a better way to filter or monitor the inappropriate sites that students are going on. Some of the other students had some pretty cool experiences with filters and non-filters. Intersting to hear them all.
Well that's all for this week. Until next time, Keep you stick on the ice.
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Week of the ?????
Hi Folks,
Here we are in week of ???, and we have got Mike as our presenter. We have talked about the machine and who is using who. Personally I do not like having a lot of information about myself on the internet. I think that it is just too easy for people to find out personal information about you and things close to you. However, this may just be me being a little close minded and worried about something I shouldn't. Oh well, I guess I'll just keep using it until something happens.
The next thing that I am going to blog about is that Suds is closing. I know that people are upset that this is happening and that they shouldn't do it. Now I'm all for Suds staying open, it's a nice place for people to hang out have a couple beers and relax. However, I did not spend enough time there to have this closure really affect me. Obviously I'm not the only person who didn't spend enough time there as it is going to close because they can't afford to stay open. I understand that there was managing problems and other issues but if people really wanted to go out for a drink, usually they go to another place like the decker or the tavern. Suds just didn't have what everyone was looking unless people lived at the university. Perhaps this is just me being a little critical about a failed business, anyway you shake it Suds is closing for the year and that's just the way it is. If you don't like it, maybe you should have spent a little more time there to try and keep it open. I'm sure it'll be back next fall and none of us will go because we'll all have jobs in far off communities.
Well, this is my post for the week. Stay tuned for next week's edition. Until then, keep your stick on the ice.
Here we are in week of ???, and we have got Mike as our presenter. We have talked about the machine and who is using who. Personally I do not like having a lot of information about myself on the internet. I think that it is just too easy for people to find out personal information about you and things close to you. However, this may just be me being a little close minded and worried about something I shouldn't. Oh well, I guess I'll just keep using it until something happens.
The next thing that I am going to blog about is that Suds is closing. I know that people are upset that this is happening and that they shouldn't do it. Now I'm all for Suds staying open, it's a nice place for people to hang out have a couple beers and relax. However, I did not spend enough time there to have this closure really affect me. Obviously I'm not the only person who didn't spend enough time there as it is going to close because they can't afford to stay open. I understand that there was managing problems and other issues but if people really wanted to go out for a drink, usually they go to another place like the decker or the tavern. Suds just didn't have what everyone was looking unless people lived at the university. Perhaps this is just me being a little critical about a failed business, anyway you shake it Suds is closing for the year and that's just the way it is. If you don't like it, maybe you should have spent a little more time there to try and keep it open. I'm sure it'll be back next fall and none of us will go because we'll all have jobs in far off communities.
Well, this is my post for the week. Stay tuned for next week's edition. Until then, keep your stick on the ice.
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Shawn Kleebaum Presentation
Alright, so this time we have Shawn Kleebaum, a teacher from Boissevain school. His presentation was on google apps and the different ways that you can use them. The first thing he showed us was the prezi software, where he showed a jumbled screen of thoughts that were then presented clearly. I think this would be a pretty cool way to give a presentation to students.
Next he showed us his school website and how he uses it. This was pretty neat as he can use the google calenders and block the gadgets that students can use. He also showed how you can use it everyday and keep it updated for the school. This is very useful as you could help keep the entire school up to date. There is also the option of getting the calender to send text messages to your phone to remind you. This could also be very useful as this one calender could potentially keep you updated no matter where you are.
Google docs seems as it is a very cool gadget. This will allow you to check on students progress on a project and see who is contributing to the assignment and who is not. This could be really good for students as they will have to contribute because the teacher will be able to check if they are or not. It also makes things much easier to work on as a number of people can be working on the same thing at the same time.
He also showed us this picasa website that allows people to share photos with a group of people and have a high quality photos for everyone. This allows for sharing with students and parents. Somehow the picasa automatically uploads the pictures for you and saves you the hassel of having to upload the pictures.
Overrall I thought his presentation was pretty good. It was a little dry at times, but i think he got his point across and gave us some valuable info. Until next time, keep your stick on the ice.
Next he showed us his school website and how he uses it. This was pretty neat as he can use the google calenders and block the gadgets that students can use. He also showed how you can use it everyday and keep it updated for the school. This is very useful as you could help keep the entire school up to date. There is also the option of getting the calender to send text messages to your phone to remind you. This could also be very useful as this one calender could potentially keep you updated no matter where you are.
Google docs seems as it is a very cool gadget. This will allow you to check on students progress on a project and see who is contributing to the assignment and who is not. This could be really good for students as they will have to contribute because the teacher will be able to check if they are or not. It also makes things much easier to work on as a number of people can be working on the same thing at the same time.
He also showed us this picasa website that allows people to share photos with a group of people and have a high quality photos for everyone. This allows for sharing with students and parents. Somehow the picasa automatically uploads the pictures for you and saves you the hassel of having to upload the pictures.
Overrall I thought his presentation was pretty good. It was a little dry at times, but i think he got his point across and gave us some valuable info. Until next time, keep your stick on the ice.
Sunday, January 31, 2010
Numero #4
Another week has gone by and this is what I have found. Nothing!!! That's because I was sick in the middle of the week and was unable to attend class. But with the spirit of keeping up with the blogs, I'll try to put something down that might be interesting.
One peice of technology that I hate saying that I need to have is unfortunately my cell phone. It is nice to stay in touch with everyone via phone calls and texting, but what it is I do really appreciate on it is being able to receive my email and use the internet. I think that this can be very useful as a teacher you can cover all your bases when something is trying to get a hold of you, the 3 major forms of communication are all at the touch of your fingers. I have found this useful as a teacher and a coach as on various trips I have needed some information for draws or hotel locations and through a couple quick texts, I can have these ready to view on my phone in only a few minutes.
Well, that's about all I can think of for now. Hopefully next week will be a bit more informative and not just my addiction. And remember, if women don't find you handsome, they should atleast find you handy.
One peice of technology that I hate saying that I need to have is unfortunately my cell phone. It is nice to stay in touch with everyone via phone calls and texting, but what it is I do really appreciate on it is being able to receive my email and use the internet. I think that this can be very useful as a teacher you can cover all your bases when something is trying to get a hold of you, the 3 major forms of communication are all at the touch of your fingers. I have found this useful as a teacher and a coach as on various trips I have needed some information for draws or hotel locations and through a couple quick texts, I can have these ready to view on my phone in only a few minutes.
Well, that's about all I can think of for now. Hopefully next week will be a bit more informative and not just my addiction. And remember, if women don't find you handsome, they should atleast find you handy.
Monday, January 25, 2010
Number 3
So it's week #3 of the blogging and here is what I have gotten out of last weeks presentation. Alec Corous was our guest presenter from Regina I believe and we used the website called elluminate. This allowed everyone in class to hear what he was saying and see whatever it was that he wanted us to see on our computers. It also allowed everyone to share their opinions via the discussion panel. This I thought was pretty cool because it let everyone in the class have their chance to share their thoughts and ask questions right away. This would be something pretty cool to use in the classroom, if you had to use computers, because then you could ensure that the students are at least getting all of the information. They may not read it but at least they were given it. Plus it allows the students to try things out on their own rather than having to watch you perform the actions on a large screen and them have to write the steps down.
Alec also showed us some websites and slideshows that I thought were interesting. The one website on slideshows was very useful as this will allow new teachers to find information that they can use in the classroom from this site.
But I think that is about it for now, until next week.
Alec also showed us some websites and slideshows that I thought were interesting. The one website on slideshows was very useful as this will allow new teachers to find information that they can use in the classroom from this site.
But I think that is about it for now, until next week.
Monday, January 18, 2010
Post #2
Hello again,
Alright, so last week we had the presenter John Evans and his take on PLN's and all sorts of stuff. I thought that his presentation was good and stimulated a lot of interest in various areas. The two things that stuck in my mind were twitter and the google reader. For some reason twitter has been stuck in my head and I started wondering why it is such a hit with people. From my perspective, it is just a glorified status update similar to that of facebook. I don't know about everyone else, but I really don't care what some celebrity or one of my friends had for supper. And google reader is an incredible resource. I was somewhat skeptical about it but once Mr. Evans showed us some of the capabilities it has I realized that this is something that I can use everyday. It makes everything just that little bit easier which can releive some of the stress of refinding everything on the internet. Well thats about it for now, until next week.
Chad
Alright, so last week we had the presenter John Evans and his take on PLN's and all sorts of stuff. I thought that his presentation was good and stimulated a lot of interest in various areas. The two things that stuck in my mind were twitter and the google reader. For some reason twitter has been stuck in my head and I started wondering why it is such a hit with people. From my perspective, it is just a glorified status update similar to that of facebook. I don't know about everyone else, but I really don't care what some celebrity or one of my friends had for supper. And google reader is an incredible resource. I was somewhat skeptical about it but once Mr. Evans showed us some of the capabilities it has I realized that this is something that I can use everyday. It makes everything just that little bit easier which can releive some of the stress of refinding everything on the internet. Well thats about it for now, until next week.
Chad
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Week #1
So it has been a week since the first class in internet for educators. So far everything has been going well, except for one small detail. I went to submit some of the assignments and noticed the due dates have already passed. One week in and already handing in things late. I guess that is better than not at all. The workload for this course seems pretty reasonable and interesting. I'm curious to see how I am going to accomplish some of the assignments on here. I think things should go well. Thats about if for now. Until next week.
Friday, January 8, 2010
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