Tuesday, January 26, 2010

Week 3 Storyboard



Week 3 PLE Post

Copyright laws are important for teachers to understand so they know their boundaries and guidelines when it comes to obeying the law. The media used in the classroom has to be legitimately acquired. Also, the media has to be properly cited so the images, music, etc. can be easily found again. The factors for fair use include: character use (what the copyrighted material will be used for/educational purpose?), nature of the work (what the product was intended for), the amount and substance of the work used, and the effect on the market (are you diminishing the commercial value of that work you are using?). Common sense, as well as the official guidelines, are the biggest help when it comes to using copyrighted material correctly. If a teacher is helping kids learn, not compromising the value of the work, and not hurting the copyright holder, then using the material is fair :)

Tuesday, January 19, 2010

Week 2 PLE Post

As a teacher, I could use TokBox as a way for discussion. Especially over weekends, if the students have questions on homework assignments, they can send me a video message, showing me exactly what they need help on. We could also chat and I could provide extra help if they are having trouble. If I ever have a substitute teacher come in, I can make a video to show the students, explaining exactly what the plan is for the day so the day would not be wasted. I think students would enjoy using TokBox with group projects, as a way to communicate, and also as part of lesson plans (i.e. if I created a video interviewing someone who works in the field we were studying and showed it during class). I think it's sweet that through TokBox, we can communicate with several people who are far away! One thing that I realized in class last week was that technology is all around us! We talked about how we would explain the concept of gravity to students, and then came up with ten different technologies that we could use. From a trampoline, to using projectors, computers and animation, there are so many educational technologies to choose from when it comes to teaching. I think these advances will make learning more interactive, and fun!

Tuesday, January 5, 2010

Week 1 PLE Post

Well, I believe my family first got a computer in the early 90's. I remember playing games on it and waiting anxiously for the dial up connection to be made for the internet. I'd say I know the basics about computers, and I own a laptop myself, dealing with all the programs and downloads that come along with it. I help my mother a lot with her confusion when it comes to computers. However, when it comes to IPods, and the latest cell phones, I do not know very much. My younger sister got an IPod before I did, and I only use my cell phone to call and text people. But, when it comes to insulin pump technology, I know my stuff. I've had one for 3 years, thus I know how to use it and I think it is the best part of technology these days!

Class Website!