Hi everyone-
I am currently finishing up my time in the OTEC program and I must say that technology is a entirely different animal than anything I have ever come into contact with. Over the past several years, throughout my undergraduate program as well as this one, I've learned more technologies than I ever knew existed, and I've discovered that it's a never ending process. The internet is a road to everywhere and there is no way to gather together or tame the amount of technology that can fly at us at any given time. As an educational technologist, my job will constantly involve working my way through a lot of software, some that I will feel comfortable using and some I will not.
When I first started using technology I believed that it made my life easier--and more productive. I can type a paper, format it, and make it ready to publish much faster in Microsoft Word than I ever could on a manual typewriter. But I soon realized that it also makes my life more complicated by requiring me to dig through a huge amount of information. I can't just open a new program and know immediately how to use it; I have to read about it, and play with it before I'm able to actually create something with it. How do we control technology?
The answer, I believe, is that we don't. We keep moving forward, and learning more and more about the tools that will make our lives easier, more organized, and enables us to reach far and wide. Since there is no controlling the complete chaos of the internet, I would advise a colleague to first be aware of what they're looking for when discovering new technologies. Technology has to have meaning in order to make us more productive, and they also need to know what they're trying to accomplish before they start looking at all the technology that is available. If you don't know what you're trying to do, and how you want to do it, you're not going to know when you've found the right Web 2.0 tool to help accomplish it.
Since technology is always going to change and evolve, we have to do the same. There is no right or wrong way to keep up with technology, or keep track of it; what's most important is that we just keep discovering it.
tm
Saturday, April 30, 2011
Saturday, April 16, 2011
Collaborative Learning Technologies
Hi all--
While doing the research on collaborative learning technologies it was amazing the things I found. Collaboration is a huge thing now, in business as well as education, so there are dozens of collaboration technologies available. Some free. Some not. Programs such as Google Docs, Skype, Ning, Second Life, Mindmeister, Teamspace, and from our assignment this last week, Twitter, make it possible for students located in different cities, states, or on different islands, to come together and plan, negotiate, strategize, work synchronously, and complete projects--all without ever actually seeing their teammates.
I think that is one of the most wonderful things about technology today: the ability to put together an amazing project, and even present it, without having to be in the same room with anyone else. Emerging technologies are coming out at a pretty rapid pace as more and more people are realizing the advantages, and monetary savings, of collaborating this way. Professionals and Educators also use collaborative tools for professional development.
One of the things I've enjoyed most about this program is the new technologies I've had a chance to learn and use (even when I don't quite understand the point of using them every time) and long after I've graduated from it (next month!) and moved on I will continue to explore the wonderful world of collaboration, gaming, learning, storytelling, and visual technologies that are just waiting for me to find them.
Here is a link to the collaborative learning technology I chose for my assignment: http://www.teamspace4students.com/index.html Go check it out; it's very cool.
Until next time,
tm
While doing the research on collaborative learning technologies it was amazing the things I found. Collaboration is a huge thing now, in business as well as education, so there are dozens of collaboration technologies available. Some free. Some not. Programs such as Google Docs, Skype, Ning, Second Life, Mindmeister, Teamspace, and from our assignment this last week, Twitter, make it possible for students located in different cities, states, or on different islands, to come together and plan, negotiate, strategize, work synchronously, and complete projects--all without ever actually seeing their teammates.
I think that is one of the most wonderful things about technology today: the ability to put together an amazing project, and even present it, without having to be in the same room with anyone else. Emerging technologies are coming out at a pretty rapid pace as more and more people are realizing the advantages, and monetary savings, of collaborating this way. Professionals and Educators also use collaborative tools for professional development.
One of the things I've enjoyed most about this program is the new technologies I've had a chance to learn and use (even when I don't quite understand the point of using them every time) and long after I've graduated from it (next month!) and moved on I will continue to explore the wonderful world of collaboration, gaming, learning, storytelling, and visual technologies that are just waiting for me to find them.
Here is a link to the collaborative learning technology I chose for my assignment: http://www.teamspace4students.com/index.html Go check it out; it's very cool.
Until next time,
tm
Saturday, March 26, 2011
Second Life
This week we've been doing an assignment in Second Life, a virtual reality world where you create an avatar and move through a virtual environment. Although I've had fun creating my avatar, and dressing her like I would a Barbie doll, moving around in SL is rather difficult. Every time I sign in I'm sent a message from SL that I don't have the correct computer components for SL and therefore won't see some of the graphics. Well graphics are the least of my problems! Since I don't have the right computer components, I'm not able to teleport properly, return to my 'home' site, search and find areas that we were supposed to for this assignment (Virtual Hallucination Island).
It takes excellent hand-eye coordination to function inside SL as you are walking and moving and flying and turning----good thing we can walk through walls because I've run into a TON of them!! I'm still going through all the steps we're supposed to take for the assignment but so far I've been able to create my avatar, change her appearance, navigate around SL (I end up in Korea a lot), teleport to different sites, and visit places like Hallucination Island which is incredibly weird and a little scary. I'll write more about that once I've finished my assignment.
Until next time!
tm
It takes excellent hand-eye coordination to function inside SL as you are walking and moving and flying and turning----good thing we can walk through walls because I've run into a TON of them!! I'm still going through all the steps we're supposed to take for the assignment but so far I've been able to create my avatar, change her appearance, navigate around SL (I end up in Korea a lot), teleport to different sites, and visit places like Hallucination Island which is incredibly weird and a little scary. I'll write more about that once I've finished my assignment.
Until next time!
tm
Augmented Reality
Last week we read about augmented reality and its impact on education. Even though I'm not sure I understand completely everything about AR, I do believe that it would be a great educational tool. As I mentioned in my discussion, I think it would help math students who are studying geometry. That was always a hard subject for me so I would've loved a way to get inside a shape and see it in 3D in order to understand the space and area concepts.
My son is studying architecture in college and I think that programs like Revit and 3D Homebuilders help them design realistic buildings that are viable in the real world. Without being able to add in the 3D quality drawings would seem flat and boring.
Another facet of AR that I find very interesting is the idea of coding. Objects are coded and read by smart phones that have a bar code reader. Linking objects together would have many benefits, such as helping businesses track their inventory, but also cause problems in the way that it would basically erase our privacy and open up information to anyone, anytime. AR, while a step forward in the use of technology, is still a long way from becoming the 'norm'.
My son is studying architecture in college and I think that programs like Revit and 3D Homebuilders help them design realistic buildings that are viable in the real world. Without being able to add in the 3D quality drawings would seem flat and boring.
Another facet of AR that I find very interesting is the idea of coding. Objects are coded and read by smart phones that have a bar code reader. Linking objects together would have many benefits, such as helping businesses track their inventory, but also cause problems in the way that it would basically erase our privacy and open up information to anyone, anytime. AR, while a step forward in the use of technology, is still a long way from becoming the 'norm'.
Monday, March 7, 2011
Intercultural Collaboration
In the last class we discussed intercultural collaboration and how emerging technologies would be useful. I really enjoyed the discussion with Dr Aoki. I think emerging technologies for collaboration are helpful in connecting students from any classroom to share ideas, and discuss how they're each using technology throughout their education.
At the beginning of the semester we were fortunate enough to have three students from Japan join our class and discuss mobile technology and how it's being incorporated in their university. It was so surprising to learn that they don't use technology the same way we do. Collaborating with those students helped all of us understand the differences.
Many collaboration tools are free, such as Skype, Google Docs and MeetingWords. Students can even take advantage of the "3 for Free" and create an online classroom in Elluminate.
Towards the end of class last week I made the comment that instructors can't really use the lack of money as a reason not to use collaboration tools since budget cuts and other limited resources make the perfect reason to research ways to have students collaborate and learn how other students are using technology (or not). Integrating technology into education is easier than ever right now because there is so many free, easy to use programs.
At the beginning of the semester we were fortunate enough to have three students from Japan join our class and discuss mobile technology and how it's being incorporated in their university. It was so surprising to learn that they don't use technology the same way we do. Collaborating with those students helped all of us understand the differences.
Many collaboration tools are free, such as Skype, Google Docs and MeetingWords. Students can even take advantage of the "3 for Free" and create an online classroom in Elluminate.
Towards the end of class last week I made the comment that instructors can't really use the lack of money as a reason not to use collaboration tools since budget cuts and other limited resources make the perfect reason to research ways to have students collaborate and learn how other students are using technology (or not). Integrating technology into education is easier than ever right now because there is so many free, easy to use programs.
Saturday, March 5, 2011
Internet Privacy
This week we're reading about Internet Privacy---quite frankly, I think this is quite the oxymoron. By its very definition, the Internet (a world wide network of computers) is not the place to be if you want privacy.
When I first discovered the Internet, I was afraid of it and what it could do. I didn't want my personal info out there for everyone to see or have access to in case someone wanted to steal my identity. But over time I got used to the scope of the world wide web, and while I'm still a little leery of it, I am much more comfortable using it, and try to keep my information as private as possible. I recently realized that the e-portfolio I did in my first semester of this program is posted on the Internet and if you Google my name, my address, phone number, and every job I've had for the past 15 yrs is there for all to see so I need to access the remote server where it's stored so I can remove it. That has been much easier said than done.
I would tell a colleague who believed the Internet is unsafe that even though the Internet is open, there are safeguards one can use to make sure that information stays secure. Students can still do research safely on the web by making sure that the sites they use for reference are legitimate, and just knowing that they shouldn't ever give out their personal information. On social networking sites, making sure their settings are set to "Private". Students have to be taught about Internet safety in order to take advantage of all the great information that's available on the world wide web---why limit them to only what's in books? And of course, there is such a thing as TOO MUCH INFORMATION (and I don't mean the kind you regret giving to strangers in the elevator)! Watch out for links that seem innocent but aren't.
I've read some of the articles on Julian Assange and watched the 60 Minutes interview he gave but I really don't know enough about what he did, or what his purpose is for continuing to do it, to say whether or not he deserves a Nobel Prize. What I DO know is that there are times when the PEOPLE have a right to know what our government is doing. That's not to say that I want people endangered by revealing certain documents or information, but simply that our government (and others) tend to believe the ends justifies the means and that's not always accurate. I think Assange truly believes he's providing a service to the people of this world simply because we have the right to know what our leaders are doing.
When I first discovered the Internet, I was afraid of it and what it could do. I didn't want my personal info out there for everyone to see or have access to in case someone wanted to steal my identity. But over time I got used to the scope of the world wide web, and while I'm still a little leery of it, I am much more comfortable using it, and try to keep my information as private as possible. I recently realized that the e-portfolio I did in my first semester of this program is posted on the Internet and if you Google my name, my address, phone number, and every job I've had for the past 15 yrs is there for all to see so I need to access the remote server where it's stored so I can remove it. That has been much easier said than done.
I would tell a colleague who believed the Internet is unsafe that even though the Internet is open, there are safeguards one can use to make sure that information stays secure. Students can still do research safely on the web by making sure that the sites they use for reference are legitimate, and just knowing that they shouldn't ever give out their personal information. On social networking sites, making sure their settings are set to "Private". Students have to be taught about Internet safety in order to take advantage of all the great information that's available on the world wide web---why limit them to only what's in books? And of course, there is such a thing as TOO MUCH INFORMATION (and I don't mean the kind you regret giving to strangers in the elevator)! Watch out for links that seem innocent but aren't.
I've read some of the articles on Julian Assange and watched the 60 Minutes interview he gave but I really don't know enough about what he did, or what his purpose is for continuing to do it, to say whether or not he deserves a Nobel Prize. What I DO know is that there are times when the PEOPLE have a right to know what our government is doing. That's not to say that I want people endangered by revealing certain documents or information, but simply that our government (and others) tend to believe the ends justifies the means and that's not always accurate. I think Assange truly believes he's providing a service to the people of this world simply because we have the right to know what our leaders are doing.
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
Web 2.0 How 2.0 --- My experience
Wow, what a week this has been! My team (Kim and Pete) decided to teach 'Moodle' (a course management system) by using MovieMaker. But, we ran into a lot of challenges trying to do this. Kim and I work off PCs and Pete uses a MAC. The three of us split up the work: I would find the key features of Moodle and their relevance to education, then pass that info to Kim, who would write up the script for Pete; then he would use MovieMaker to record the presentation. None of us have ever used either of these programs before and had no idea that we'd run into platform problems and not being able to download software. We all downloaded Moodle, and each of us for saw something completely different! Pete ended up staying up until 3:00 am one morning just trying to download all of Moodle's many features. I even had problems seeing the screen shots that Kim uploaded to the dropbox because they had a double extension and they couldn't be open.
This project was definitely an experience; and an example of how everything that can go wrong with technology, DID. I think this is the problem with using technology no one is familiar with---we run into problems and we don't really know how to go about fixing them. And my team did start a little late so that also limited the amount of time we had to figure all of this out. If I had to do it all over again I don't know if I wouldn't still choose Moodle because without ever having used it, I still wouldn't know what issues I might encounter, but I think I would've suggested doing the actual work differently so that we were all on the same page (literally and figuratively).
Unfortunately, I'd have to say that I didn't learn anything from this assignment--not even how to use another technology--since we all did different aspects of it. Isn't hindsight always 20/20?
tm
This project was definitely an experience; and an example of how everything that can go wrong with technology, DID. I think this is the problem with using technology no one is familiar with---we run into problems and we don't really know how to go about fixing them. And my team did start a little late so that also limited the amount of time we had to figure all of this out. If I had to do it all over again I don't know if I wouldn't still choose Moodle because without ever having used it, I still wouldn't know what issues I might encounter, but I think I would've suggested doing the actual work differently so that we were all on the same page (literally and figuratively).
Unfortunately, I'd have to say that I didn't learn anything from this assignment--not even how to use another technology--since we all did different aspects of it. Isn't hindsight always 20/20?
tm
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Social Media in education
Hi all--
This has been such an interesting week! We've been talking about social media in schools and if it should be supported or not. There were many different points of view discussed, but everyone supported social media in classrooms. Using social media in schools will engage students and promote learning and collaboration. This skill alone is one that is crucial in all aspects of life, whether someone is a teacher, lawyer, student, or dancer.
Social media can also be used in the classroom as a way to stay in touch with parents, work with students in other classrooms (team up project), and even use it as a way to ask the teacher questions outside of class.
All in all, it's been very interesting reading all the different perspectives and I look forward to reading more when possible.
Until next time,
tm
This has been such an interesting week! We've been talking about social media in schools and if it should be supported or not. There were many different points of view discussed, but everyone supported social media in classrooms. Using social media in schools will engage students and promote learning and collaboration. This skill alone is one that is crucial in all aspects of life, whether someone is a teacher, lawyer, student, or dancer.
Social media can also be used in the classroom as a way to stay in touch with parents, work with students in other classrooms (team up project), and even use it as a way to ask the teacher questions outside of class.
All in all, it's been very interesting reading all the different perspectives and I look forward to reading more when possible.
Until next time,
tm
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
New technologies abound
Hi everyone-
This is the first week we haven't actually used a new technology for anything---we're just giving feedback on reviews and proposals and commenting on Discussion 2. I'm very excited about doing the Web 2.0 How 2.0 assignment but I do feel it needs to be longer in length from learning, to application, to teaching.
One of the great things about this program is that I've learned many new technologies. Even though sometimes it can be challenging to find a new software, learn how to use and then apply it, the satisfaction I receive from actually doing it is amazing.
As a tech newbie (relatively) technology was never really my thing but then I decided to major in business and information technology so my degree had equal parts of both (with Humanities up the middle). The more I used technology, the more fascinated I became with it. There are some programs that I'd probably need an entire year to learn (Flash) but I've really enjoyed learning how to use Elluminate, Skype, Voicethread, Wikis, Slideshare, Vuvox, Google Apps, Audacity and a few others throughout this program.
I'll have to make sure that once I'm finished here (May!) that I don't stop finding and learning new technologies since there are still so many out there to explore.
Until next time!
tm
This is the first week we haven't actually used a new technology for anything---we're just giving feedback on reviews and proposals and commenting on Discussion 2. I'm very excited about doing the Web 2.0 How 2.0 assignment but I do feel it needs to be longer in length from learning, to application, to teaching.
One of the great things about this program is that I've learned many new technologies. Even though sometimes it can be challenging to find a new software, learn how to use and then apply it, the satisfaction I receive from actually doing it is amazing.
As a tech newbie (relatively) technology was never really my thing but then I decided to major in business and information technology so my degree had equal parts of both (with Humanities up the middle). The more I used technology, the more fascinated I became with it. There are some programs that I'd probably need an entire year to learn (Flash) but I've really enjoyed learning how to use Elluminate, Skype, Voicethread, Wikis, Slideshare, Vuvox, Google Apps, Audacity and a few others throughout this program.
I'll have to make sure that once I'm finished here (May!) that I don't stop finding and learning new technologies since there are still so many out there to explore.
Until next time!
tm
Sunday, January 30, 2011
Lesson Proposals
Hi everyone--
I just finished reviewing and rating my classmates's lesson proposals and I'm impressed with the amount of creativity displayed throughout the lessons.
One of the proposals has the class participating in Second Life, which most of us know is a virtual, 3D environment where we enter into another world as an Avatar (and who doesn't like that idea after watching a movie about Pandora and the Na'vi) where you can change your appearance and invent a new, cool name for your avatar-self. This sounds like a really interesting lesson and I'd like the opportunity to explore more in that virtual world but I am concerned about the learning curve involved in using this platform.
The other lesson proposal I read was about using mobile technology to learn with videos and recordings. This lesson was lower on my desirability scale only because I don't have a Smart Phone and would find it hard to complete this lesson without one. I just recently upgraded my phone but since I only use it call and text people I don't have access to the internet. And considering how many hours in a day that I spend on a computer and on the internet, I don't want a phone that makes me feel like I'm sitting on my PC or laptop.
I just finished reviewing and rating my classmates's lesson proposals and I'm impressed with the amount of creativity displayed throughout the lessons.
One of the proposals has the class participating in Second Life, which most of us know is a virtual, 3D environment where we enter into another world as an Avatar (and who doesn't like that idea after watching a movie about Pandora and the Na'vi) where you can change your appearance and invent a new, cool name for your avatar-self. This sounds like a really interesting lesson and I'd like the opportunity to explore more in that virtual world but I am concerned about the learning curve involved in using this platform.
The other lesson proposal I read was about using mobile technology to learn with videos and recordings. This lesson was lower on my desirability scale only because I don't have a Smart Phone and would find it hard to complete this lesson without one. I just recently upgraded my phone but since I only use it call and text people I don't have access to the internet. And considering how many hours in a day that I spend on a computer and on the internet, I don't want a phone that makes me feel like I'm sitting on my PC or laptop.
Whatever lesson (s) are chosen, I think we'll all have a good time learning new technologies and expanding our thinking when it comes to education.
Until next time!
tm
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Team proposals/Introductions
Hi everyone! I'm back this week with another posting about my emerging technology experiences.
This has been an interesting week in that I've learned a new technology as well as learned about a lot of different technologies! During the partner introductions my classmates used some very interesting formats like YouTube, Second Life, Wordle, and Jaycut just to name a few. So many technologies, so little time.
I also learned this week that you can create videos without even using a video camera or even a webcam! Our team proposal involves students creating a video using whatever they method they choose. I'd like our proposal to be chosen just so I can learn a new way to make videos!
More next week!
This has been an interesting week in that I've learned a new technology as well as learned about a lot of different technologies! During the partner introductions my classmates used some very interesting formats like YouTube, Second Life, Wordle, and Jaycut just to name a few. So many technologies, so little time.
I also learned this week that you can create videos without even using a video camera or even a webcam! Our team proposal involves students creating a video using whatever they method they choose. I'd like our proposal to be chosen just so I can learn a new way to make videos!
More next week!
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Vuvox
I looked through a lot of different technology trying to decide which one to use for my classmate's introduction. I decided to use Vuvox because it creates interactive slide shows and a user can include as many or as few photos as they choose. You can decide how long or short the slide show will be, and once the photos are in place you can add comments. Vuvox can be used for videos and presentations and is even compatible with Flash; it's very user friendly and can be learned in a short period of time.
Of course, there are a few disadvantages to the program, such as the fact that Vuvox is not compatible with Linux because Flash doesn't work Linux, and the maximum size file that can be uploaded is 100MB. If you have something larger than that, you'll need to link it to your slideshow.
Overall, I had a good time learning how to use the program, and thought it made a great interactive presentation for my partner's intro. You can find it at www.vuvox.com so go make one of your own!
tm
Of course, there are a few disadvantages to the program, such as the fact that Vuvox is not compatible with Linux because Flash doesn't work Linux, and the maximum size file that can be uploaded is 100MB. If you have something larger than that, you'll need to link it to your slideshow.
Overall, I had a good time learning how to use the program, and thought it made a great interactive presentation for my partner's intro. You can find it at www.vuvox.com so go make one of your own!
tm
Sunday, January 16, 2011
Tia's Tech Talk
Hi everyone!
I created this blog in order to discuss new and emerging technologies. As a second-year graduate student I've learned how to use many new technologies, from the simple (Podcasts) to the complex (Elluminate).
Over the past year and a half I've had a good time learning how to use programs such as Voice Thread, Wikespaces, YouTube, Nvu, and Weebly, just to name a few, and I'm looking forward to learning about even more of them over the next 16 weeks.
Throughout my tech journey, I'll be coming back here to discuss them so I hope you'll tune in occasionally.
Let's talk tech!
tm
I created this blog in order to discuss new and emerging technologies. As a second-year graduate student I've learned how to use many new technologies, from the simple (Podcasts) to the complex (Elluminate).
Over the past year and a half I've had a good time learning how to use programs such as Voice Thread, Wikespaces, YouTube, Nvu, and Weebly, just to name a few, and I'm looking forward to learning about even more of them over the next 16 weeks.
Throughout my tech journey, I'll be coming back here to discuss them so I hope you'll tune in occasionally.
Let's talk tech!
tm
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