Podcasting/Vodcasting

I am licensed to teach 7th -12th grade in Language Arts, and if I ever return to the high school setting, I believe that I will use podcasting and vodcasting to assist in my teaching. I can certainly see how the flipped classroom works for Math, Science, and other skills-based curricula, but I don't think it would have too many uses for Reading. Well, I guess for teaching the skills themselves, yes, but the application to the specific texts, no.

I do think I might use pod- or vodcasting next year to help teach Grammar skills as a remediation tool. I could also use it for challenging the higher-achieving students. I think that flipping my SMS classroom is unrealistic, though, due to the sheer number of my students who do not have internet access at home. I love the idea, but again, it boils down to logistics. This time, though, I really see "differentiated instruction" value in this technology. I am also trying to order mp3 players with my EEF to be able to record podcasts that students can use for in-class assistance when needed. I don't think the average middle-school kid is responsible enough to govern his own learning at home strictly by means of podcasts, though.

Global Learning in Schools

Well, I agree with several of Alan November's points. I wish he were a bit of a more dynamic speaker. *yawn*

Anywho, if I could teach a class that had a research station, a reading station, and a writing station, I would be all over this stuff. I truly believe students need to know how to research, create, and own their learning. My only issue--again--is our lack of resources in order to allow it. I am pretty sure that if a streaming video uses too much bandwidth that Skype is out of the question. Also, in my experience, my middle school students who are higher-performing are very tech savvy and the lower performing ones can barely type or operate a computer at all. Oftentimes this goes back, too, to what is available in the home. Quite a few of my students do not have computers at home, even though it is assumed these days that everyone has one.

I suppose I am a bit torn on this issue, because theoretically I agree completely; logistically I agree mostly; and realistically I tend to raise red flags. Yes, this is what we need, yes I think this is where we are S-L-O-W-L-Y heading... Will we implement these needed changes before I retire in 20 years? We'll see...

Collaboration with Google Docs

Once again, I find myself far, far behind the times in regards to technology, seeing as I have never utilized Google Docs. However, I am--also once again--excited by the possibilities held withing. The modern Language Arts classroom is all about collaboration, feedback, reflection, revising, and sharing work. Google Docs could definitely come in handy with these processes.

I know that in the near future students will have more accessibility to computers, so I could use the same collaborative-writing assignments that I have in the past, but I can ensure more accountability for each individual student. Also, in the past I have assigned students to create newspapers based on novels that they read, but the major downfall was that only one student could type at a time. Google Docs could alleviate that problem.

Video Games in Education

First and foremost, I would like to complain about the video itself in that it is impossible to appreciate visual jokes and witty quotes when one cannot actually see them. Now on to the actual content: being a former gamer myself--former only because I no longer have time; I still watch my husband play and help him solve puzzles--I can easily understand the benefits of gaming. I actually find in my classes that, for the most part, my die-hard gamers are typically the more intellectually advanced. Teaching middle school, though, I still have a very hard time thinking they have the maturity to handle having a phone out during class.
As far as the ROLE of video games in education, I can see how they would be great for a virtual lab in science, a supplemental or immersion-based lesson in history, or just about any elective or vocational course. For Language Arts, however, I think gaming would be more tricky. I suppose one could use the discourse in games such as the Elder Scrolls series or something like that where word craft is considered a skill as a lesson, but I think even that might be a stretch. I did like the concepts, though, that Prensky outlines of presenting a problem-solution format, providing a goal or consequence, and providing images before text. THOSE things I feel that I can take back to my classroom, although our PS3 will remain safely at home.

Southwest US Vacation 2010

This is an image of my husband, Brent, and me in front of the Far View Visitor Center at Mesa Verde National Park in Colorado. This was the last trip we wanted to take before we started a family, and it was absolutely awesome! We flew into Flagstaff, AZ and made a well-over 1,000 mile loop through Utah, Colorado, and New Mexico. The country out there is absolutely beautiful!
Another favorite destination of mine was Bandelier National Monument in New Mexico. While walking around the park, visitors can see ruins of ancient American civilizations and their former cliff dwellings.

Pertaining to writing, a drive through the Painted Desert and the Petrified Forrest in Arizona lends itself to a visit of Newspaper Rock, one of the earliest known graffiti/message rocks known to the Southwest. One can only imagine what messages have been left for future generations like us to decipher:













If you ever plan to take a trip out to the Southwest, feel free to speak to me about my trip. I will be more than happy to offer suggestions and help you plan a beautiful, historical trip into a world unto its own!

"Go, 'Diigo,' Go!"

Yes, that is a reference to a children's program, and yes, I was trying to amuse myself.

Anywho, of all of the nifty online do-dads we have thus far explored, this is the first one that has really gotten me excited. The Google Reader app comes in at a close second, but I actually want to play around with this one.

I linked the DCS group to a couple of articles about the common core because it has been heavily weighing on my mind. I must admit I am nervous--as I tend to have an aversion to huge changes that I do not, myself, initiate--but I foresee Diigo and similar tools proving beneficial when collaborating cross-curriculum.

Also, I do not use my mimeo as often as I should--mostly because the darned stick will not adhere properly to my board, and even if it did, my rowdy kids tend to knock it down--but I still think that I could incorporate Diigo's work into my lessons. I'm thinking that this summer I will use Diigo to help me prepare for the 2012-2013 school year. I don't want to use the "It takes too long" excuse, but right now it would. Once I familiarize myself with all of its capabilities, however, I can see how Diigo could actually save me prep time--not to mention hundreds of copies--in the future.

Twitter Account

My first official Tweet:
@mccandlj I could tweet info to parents, reminders of assignments, etc. Also, it could be used as an informal book review or summary tool.

My Username is ValerieHFree.

I do wonder, though, if I now should be considered a "Twitter-er," a "Tweeter," or just a "Twit"...


I will honestly say, though, that I doubt I will be using Twitter other than for this assignment in the near future. I use technology as much as possible at school, but at home, I really don't right now.