I chose to watch a podcast from the K-5 section of WGBH podcasts. I watched a simple video explaining solar eclipses where I actually learned interesting information like how the moon is 400 times smaller than the sun, but 400 times closer which is why they look the same size from where we are. I also learned that those that are in the umbra see a total eclipse, those in the penumbra see a partial eclipse, and those outside the shadow see nothing.
This particular podcast could be very useful during a science lecture in the classroom. It seems as though kids like watching animations and get more interested as opposed to listening to a teacher ramble on about the subject. I think students would enjoy similar videos as an aid to the lecture.
Podcasts like this one can be accessed from anywhere, so it is good for the student because he or she can use it for assistance doing homework or studying for a test. It may also help the parent so that he or she can understand the material and help their child study. After watching so many podcasts throughout the semester, I have really come to like them and truly feel like I will apply them in my classroom.
Thursday, March 5, 2009
Useful Podcasts
Two interesting podcasts can be found in iTunes: The Edible Schoolyard and A Night in the Global Village. The first one is about an outdoor classroom in California. The students are planting, harvesting, and eating organic food from their edible schoolyard. The garden and adjacent kitchen classroom are learning labs for social studies, math, science, and life. The teachers used everything including the water drops on the leaves to teach. It's an interesting approach to teaching kids. The other podcast is about students that are voluntarily trading their privileged status as Americans to stay in mock homes overnight that represent living conditions of other countries. It is part national geographic and part survivor. They are basically walking in someone else's shoes to open their eyes and see what's going on around the world.
After watching the two podcasts The Edible Schoolyard and A Night in the Global Village, I realized that I could find other similar podcasts to use as a resource tool for when I begin teaching. These two podcasts were very interesting because they introduce creative ways of teaching kids that will create lasting impressions. They show that you can really get your students involved if you can find unique ways of teaching them.
After watching the two podcasts The Edible Schoolyard and A Night in the Global Village, I realized that I could find other similar podcasts to use as a resource tool for when I begin teaching. These two podcasts were very interesting because they introduce creative ways of teaching kids that will create lasting impressions. They show that you can really get your students involved if you can find unique ways of teaching them.
iTunes University
iTunes University is an interesting idea. I found a few key facts about iTunes U: it contains over 100, 000 educational audio and video files, it is the engine for the mobile learning movement, and the information provided comes from top universities and museums. By using this, you can learn from the world's leading thinkers. It is easy to find because it's part of the iTunes store. Topics are separated into categories to make it easier to find something specific that you may be looking for.
iTunes University can obviously be helpful to students and teachers. For students, using such applications are familiar to them because they are always up on the latest gadgets like iPods or other mobile electronic devices that will play stuff found on the iTunes website. Students can learn anytime, anywhere at their own pace. For teachers, it is useful because they can create customized educational materials, such as language lessons. They can also do presentations and lectures that can be downloaded for the students to have. In my opinion, the iTunes University is very useful in both positions.
http://www.apple.com/education/mobile-learning/
iTunes University can obviously be helpful to students and teachers. For students, using such applications are familiar to them because they are always up on the latest gadgets like iPods or other mobile electronic devices that will play stuff found on the iTunes website. Students can learn anytime, anywhere at their own pace. For teachers, it is useful because they can create customized educational materials, such as language lessons. They can also do presentations and lectures that can be downloaded for the students to have. In my opinion, the iTunes University is very useful in both positions.
http://www.apple.com/education/mobile-learning/
Sunday, March 1, 2009
Using iPods in Instruction
After reading some research done about using iPods as an instructional tool in the classroom, I really like the idea. The site explains how a lot of professors are experimenting using this method and are having positive results. It also mentioned how it could be used in the K-12 classrooms as well. iPods are mobile and can hold a lot of information. Prerecorded lectures and lessons can be loaded onto it and used in class and at home.
It also mentions how students with ADD or ADHD seemed to do much better because they are not so easily distracted because all other noises are blocked out by the headphones. It says that it is good in that those who want to learn can really pay attention and do better by having all of the resources. I personally like the idea and found the article interesting.
http://www.principalspartnership.com/iPods.pdf
It also mentions how students with ADD or ADHD seemed to do much better because they are not so easily distracted because all other noises are blocked out by the headphones. It says that it is good in that those who want to learn can really pay attention and do better by having all of the resources. I personally like the idea and found the article interesting.
http://www.principalspartnership.com/iPods.pdf
Dr. Christie's Site
Dr. Christie's website seems very resourceful for teachers and future teachers. It is stated on there that the site was created to share some of what she has learned being an educator herself. Just by looking at the navigational bar, you can tell how much time and work she has put into creating a useful site for those interested in expanding their knowledge and using technology in the classroom.
There are a lot of interesting things on the site. For example, there is a list of search engines for teachers and students to use when searching for something online. Sometimes it is hard to find useful websites for the classroom, and she provided a list of them. She also talks about how you can digitally enhance photographs which may interest some students and make them want to be more creative. I can see myself using this site when I start teaching because any free advice or help is always welcome, of course.
There are a lot of interesting things on the site. For example, there is a list of search engines for teachers and students to use when searching for something online. Sometimes it is hard to find useful websites for the classroom, and she provided a list of them. She also talks about how you can digitally enhance photographs which may interest some students and make them want to be more creative. I can see myself using this site when I start teaching because any free advice or help is always welcome, of course.
Wikipedia
Wikipedia is basically an online encyclopedia that anyone can make changes to. Depending on what I am writing about or researching, I may or may not use Wikipedia. It usually has a lot of information on particular subjects, but you never really know if the information is accurate or not. In my opinion, you really cannot trust using the information on there because it is most likely false or exaggerated. Sometimes it is okay to use when researching common topics that many people already know a lot about. It's best just to use your own judgment and find plenty of other sources.
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