Many Apps, Many Possibilities

After exploring each one of the many apps available, I have found the YouTube and Google provide the best teaching tools for students. I especially enjoy using Google Earth in the classroom to show the students different locations around the world. The students have expressed excitement when using Google Earth because they are able to see what an area actually looks like. I have found the using YouTube in the classroom also allows the students to step back from reading the textbook and learn new information by watching videos related to the content. Each one of the apps available online provide new ways of teaching the students without necessarily using paper. Unfortunately, it is often difficult to use a majority of the apps within the confines of the school due to the firewalls that have been created. Therefore, if I find information about a specific app, I need to download that information and then bring in a personal computer to show the students. Other than that, I believe I will be using these apps for help teach my students.

What is the purpose of Second Life?

I have only just begun my exploration of this social networking device known as Second Life and I have to tell you I do not see the significance of it or how it relates in any way to teaching. First of all, the program is extremely slow regardless of which computer I am using at the time. I am not even able to edit my person without the program freezing multiple times. Don't get me wrong, I am up for trying it out, but the majority of the people on it are asking the same questions: How do you change your appearance? and what is the purpose of this network? Also, one question I have is how will this program help me to teach my students without using paper. Last time I checked, my school has been so fire-walled and blocked that it is completely impossible to even search Google for a map of the world. I understand the importance of socially networking with other people to gain new ideas and perspectives about teaching; however, I think it can be more easily done using Twitter.

Google Apps for Education

The lesson that I choose to was "Spring Sojourn: A Lesson in Civil Rights History and Geography". Great lesson! It utilizes Google Earth to track the journey of 150 people taking a journey through both history and geography. This lesson illustrates the strength and courage of those for fought for Civil Rights. The activities in this lesson include presentations about events with the Civil Rights Movement as well as provide students a hands-on activity (in this case, traveling to different cities throughout the south). Even though it would be difficult to allow my students to travel throughout the south, it is possible to simulate this journey by using Google Earth. Using the website, www.sojournproject.com, allows students to learn about the different cities along the way. This is a really great lesson. I will try and use it in my classroom to each my students about the Civil Rights Movement.

Using Twitter

Since I started using Twitter, I have found it useful for reaching other teachers and learning what they have to say. However, it has been difficult keeping up-to-date with Twitter on a daily basis. Since I cannot use Twitter at school, I am only able to tweet when I get home. However, my entire life does not revolve around Twitter; so I have trouble remembering to tweet. On a happier note, Twitter has opened my eyes to the idea of sharing ideas around the world. This type of communication has brought about new ways of thinking. Besides tweeting myself, I read what other fellow twitterers are saying and gain a greater understanding of the education world. I will continue to use Twitter and grow from the experience.

Obama's Address to the Students

Great speech! I thought he did an excellent job speaking directly to students and explaining the need for everyone to succeed. Our students today are our future. As teachers, administrators and parents, we need to ensure that our students are receiving the best education possible. One thing that Obama said that I completely agree with is "You can't let your failures define you, you have to let your failures teach you." With this in mind, it is important to stress to our students that failing does not mean you are not smart, it just means that you need to keep trying and to try harder. I believe that we, as a nation, are on the right path, but it is going to take everyone working together to succeed.

Twitter for Beginners

In this article, Josh Catone gives five steps for beginners on how to properly use Twitter. First of all, it is important to find people you know. Next, find people with like-minded ideas. Third, find people who live in your area. Fourth, in order to use twitter effectively, get a desktop client or mobile client to keep up with the many twitterers. Finally, it is important to learn the twitter jargon. By reading this article, first time twitterers can easily learn the effectiveness of twitter.

Did You Know? Video

This video sparked tons of thought provoking ideas about where the world is headed. After watching the video in class, I went home and watched it at least two more times. What are the possibilities of the future? This question can be both thrilling and scary. I am not entirely sure what to make of each specific part of the video but one part that really caught my attention was when it talked about the fact that students are learning to solve problems that have not even arisen yet.

The Paperless Classroom

This class seems to be very interesting. However, with the amount of information being thrown around it is a little confusing. I hope that future sessions will provide more information about how to use the different social networks appropriately.