Reflection on blogging

Blogs, in general, are informative and a 21st century way to allow other people into your thought processes. By keeping a blog, individuals can create entries that can be shared and commented on by others. The internet has opened up so many possibilities it should be our goal to learn these new technologies and share them with our students.

My IST611 blog (very uncreative name as I look back on it) was my first attempt at creating a blog. Overall, it was a positive and fun, learning experience. The initial setup of the blog was relatively easy. For both segments, podcasting and digital storytelling, learning about the new technology and finding relevant links took up the first few blog entries. During this I learned quite a bit about the technology. But then, I had a little trouble thinking up new and different discussion points about the same topic. If I had to do it again, I would plan out how many total blog entries I needed, and then I would create a “lesson plan” to follow. That way each week I wouldn’t have to try and remember what I had already written while simultaneously coming up with creative explanations about the same topic.

When I first started I was a little taken aback with the html language in the blog template. But after getting my courage up, perusing through the html document, and reading the help; I decided I could change a few things within it. I created links on the side of my blog and changed a heading. I was also able to create a pop up window for the comments to appear in. For my last entry I attempted to import a picture and was successful on my first try.

As I ponder the rest of the assignment, I liked how we had to comment on the blogs created by our fellow students. This allowed us to learn about different technologies from a spectator point of view. It also gave us experience commenting on another blog. One week, when I was commenting on another blog I noticed the comments were not appearing. I became concerned and notified the blog owner to find out why. She informed me there was an option that allowed her to screen comments. I instantly realized this would be a great option to use in the educational setting. Wonderful ideas began formulating about this fabulous tool and how it could be used in the library media center. Students could comment on the main topic of the week but the Library Media Specialist, as blog owner, could screen the comments. Any unnecessary or inappropriate comments could be eliminated before they appeared on the page. If used in the high school setting I could see educating a student screener in this process.

Providing us with roles to assume, such as instructional partner, when commenting; helped create a mental picture of the role I was undertaking. It also made me think about how that technology could be implemented in the educational setting.

I am happy with my progress. My technology comfort level has increased dramatically; I am no longer afraid of html and am not intimidated about creating bigger technological headaches than I started with.

Dyslexia, audio and podcast

Just found Read Regular that advertises using different typeface for people with dyslexia. It was very revealing to see how people with dyslexia see the written word. There are so many new and exciting technologies to assist people that have problems. I wonder if changing the typeface will work. Could it be such a simple fix? I think it is wonderful if it is.

There are sites that offer assistive technologies for visually impaired. Assistive Media is a non profit organization that creates audio versions of the written word. Some of the articles come from the New Yorker. The extensive list can be individually downloaded to an ipod. Soundportriats.org is another great site with radio shows available for your listening pleasure all from National Public Radio (NPR). I am considering purchasing an iPod to listen to all these great programs.

The Assitive Technology Podcast can be subscribed to. It discusses all the latest assistive technologies available. There is so much available online if only you take the time to explore and verify your sites. Everyone has something to share.

Educational Podcast

Spreading the Gospel of Information Literacy - How Do We Get the Kids to Care? Podcast by Joyce Kazman Valenza

Joyce Kasman Valenza’s podcast focuses on the necessity for students to have information literacy skills when leaving high school. She equates the way students search now with search engines to the “fast food” of the internet. They grab the first two hits on Google and call it adequate. She proclaims the need for students to acquire these skills in high school by incorporating the whole school in the process of teaching information literacy skills. With a vested interest students will become better searchers and it will benefit them throughout their lives.

Her webpage is fabulous with many resources for lessons. She also has a blog "Joyce Valenza's Neverending Search" Great resources from a passionate Library Media Specialist.

Blog about podcasting

John Furrier has a relevant blog posting about podcasting. He states only 10% of adults know about podcasts. Really? Probably true. I say podcast and people generally say, what is that. I then respond with, it is like radio on demand.

He also speaks about advertisers missing markets because of blogs and podcasts and dvrs, to name a few of the new technologies. I will have to argue against that. My children tend to watch TV or listen to radio for the ads and then have conversations about the ads and how funny they are or aren't. I don't know if they influence us that much anyway. Do you think over time you become deadened to the constant media ads flashed before you?

Weekly high school podcast

Here's an example of a school with a daily podcast. Park School in Baltimore creates a podcast on wednesday of the week in review. It is inspiring to see schools embracing new technology instead of baning kids from using it. Technolgy is here to stay the faster we finds ways to incorporate it in our education system the better off our students will be. Hats off to Park School.

Safe internet sites for a fee

I found this article in the online San Fransico Chronicle. "Safe spot for kids to surf the web child-friendly sites wipe out porn predators" by Benjamin Pimentel. I was interested because it stated two moms were coming up with ideas to keep kids safe on the web. Strange but they both cost money. $9.95 a month for safe searching with nettrekker and $5 a month for Imbee.com which is the equivalent of Myspace for the 8 to 14 year olds. Does paying money make parents feel safer when their children are on the web? There are so many free search engines like Yahooligans and Ask.com geared for children I am not sure I understand why you would pay for the service.

Supervision is the key. As a society we need to stop throwing money at problems hoping they go away. We need to take responsiblility and time to solve these problems. Sitting with your child while they are on the internet would be the solution instead paying money for a service that probably dosen't even work. I am sure kids would find a way around it. It is like the filters at school. If the kids really want to, they find a way around the filters. Supervision, supervision, supervision (a little foot stomping was done there).

I liked the quote towards the bottom of the article that states ""With a little bit of skill, often just by having a chat with a librarian, you can find these resources for free," Price said. At least someone appreciates us. I would like your thoughts on this article.

Oh, there is also a podcast available (top of article).

Dictionary on iPod

I wanted to share this link to an article. For anyone with an iPod this is a great new tool.


The article from Applelinks.com tells how iPod and Merriam Webster have created a downloadable dictionary for the iPod. "Unlike audio versions of classical literature, iPREPpress provides text and graphics hyperlinks that bring highly readable text and easy navigation to the iPod, turning it into a PDA-like experience." stated Charles Moore.

The ideas that stem from technology can be intriguing. I wonder who thought of putting a dictionary on an Music playing device. I guess anything is possible.

Educational podcasts

I am interested in using this technology. I looked at the Apple ibook that I have from school but it does not have garageband on it. It must be the newer ibooks that have it because I know students were on it. So that experiment will have to wait until next week since I am on Spring break.

There is alot of information on the internet if you truly want to make your own podcast. I found a site that has podcasts from last year that should be listened to before an attempt is made to create your own. There are definitely a lot of don't if you want other people to listen to it. The Educational Mac has podcasts that pertain to education but they are poor. If you listen it is hard to hear what is being said and the guys voice is rather monotone. Practicing would be a definite must before creating.

Another search engine

I liked Rabecca's comment and had to investigate the search engine she sent me. Kartoo is a different kind of search engine. I am still not sure how to use it. As an educational tool I can see uses for kids understanding how terms are generated based on the term searched. I tried searching for podcast as usual and came up with a wide variety of terms associated with various websites. I can see the potential for kids in educational settings with this tool. At our last staff meeting the reading teachers were stressing graphic organizer. this looks like a tool that could be used to facilitate that process. That genie is a colorful addition.

I found a podcast dedicated to video games. What a kid treasury. Dream station has the latest video game playing strategies and more. This is unique. Unitl next time...

a new search engine

I found a new search engine that I am finding kind of exciting. It is kid friendly and not supposed to find any adult content sites. RedZee is similar to google in looks but has quite a few neat features. It shows the time it took to search and also shows pictures of the webpages. I am partial to pictures. Another intriguing feature is the redzeepedia which gives a brief description of the terms searched. I typed in podcasts and learned quite a bit just reading the redzeepedia content which appears at the top of the page.

I found iTunes in my search which I haven't discussed yet in this blog. The site that started the podcasting business. It offers free podcasts and the ability to upload your podcast if you so desire. By going to the online music store you can find what you are looking for. Give it a try.

A little more about Podcasting

About.com has alot of articles and resources that pertain to Podcasting on one page. This new way to create audio seems very popular. It is easy to find information on the subject just by doing a simple search. I can see students very interested in using this in the classroom. The only problem I see is teachers feeling comfortable enough to use technology on a daily basis. As the technology in schools grow I foresee teachers using it more frequently. The possibilities are endless. Also this is a great gap for Library Media Specialist's to fill. The more technology we can use the better situated we will be. In my school I am the tech person people come to. Keeping abreast of tehnology is great job security.

Examples of Educational Podcasts

In my recent search for knowledge about podcasting. I have come across a site that answers Susan's question. She asked if there was an index of podcasts and lo and behold I found one.

Education Podcast Network has created a site that indexes educational podcasts. I don't think there are a lot of them but there enough to get an idea of what is being done in the schools. On the right hand side of the page it is broken down by school such as elementary, and middle, high. Then there are examples from each school. I notice that quicktime is used each time I listen to these podcasts.

The creator of this site is David Warlick. He also has The Landmark Project website which is very interesting. He is the citation machine creator. Take a look.

Creating a podcast

I have found some interesting links to help a amateur podcaster get started.

If you have Garageband 2.0 podcasting is possible. Read the article at macworld.com. All you need is a Mac with Garageband 2.0, microphone, headphones and you are in business. Don't forget the editing software to create a great broadcast.

If you have Garageband 3.0 then podcasting can be a snap. Check out this article with screen shots from creativemac.com

If you are an advanced podcaster this is the site for you. It is a tutorial created by podcast.com that details the equipment needed along with how to operate it.

Listening to a blog as a Podcast

I have found a site that "converts text only blogs into PodCasts". Talkr is a free service if you want to listen to the blogs they subscribe to plus 3 others.

From what I understand you need 3 things to make this work.

1. A Podcasting server (Talkr)
2. A podcasting client (Juice)
3. An MP3 player

The podcasting client Juice is an open source software that is free to download. (Just like Rabecca was discussing earlier)

I listened to a few blogs the voice was a touch computerish and roboty sounding but not bad. This would be intriguing to try...

Teaching yourself.

Rabecca asked an interesting question. How do you incorporate a technology into the classroom when you don't know how to use it? My knowledge of how schools and training works. Basically you teach yourself. They do offer classes but they are not that great. The best way to implement new tools in the classroom is figure it out by yourself and test it. If it dosen't work you are back to the drawing board. Possibly find someone who does know it and have them teach you.

Another example of podcasts from an elementary school http://bobsprankle.com/blog/

Podcast articles

I came across an interesting article http://www.thejournal.com/articles/18040_4 from The Journal comments on how education is using iPods to create podcasts . I know I went to a technology show a month ago and the Apple representative was showing iPods and telling all the ways they could be used in the classroom. It is amazing the technology available in all facets of life.

I have also found the Podcasting News http://www.podcastingnews.com/ commenting on new innovations in the podcasting world. Quick little reads that delve into the podcasters world. On this site I learned a new term, vlogger (video blogger).

Podcasting with a Mac

The link is a superb resource for creating a podcast with a Mac. It shows a simple step by step process to create a podcast. It uses garageband which normally comes on an apple and then a few other free downloads. I can see this as being used in the school setting where apples are the norm. Click the link below.

Podcasting

I am back discussing Podcasting. In my recent foray into the domain of podcasting I discovered it a relatively new technology. It was invented in 2000 and is like radio on demand. A person can listen to podcasts using RSS feeds either on their computer or downloading to a personal listening device (ex. ipod, MP3 player). The two most popular audio files available online include talk shows and music. However, there are other options.

The following link gives great resources and background information. http://www.podcasting-tools.com/

To listen to a few podcasts check out Yahoo and see what is available. http://podcasts.yahoo.com/

Next I will discuss how to create them. Until then.

Practice Runs & small steps

As we become collaboration partners with teachers, creating glitch free technology lessons is a very real problem. Starting small and expanding is the right choice. Taking one teacher aside and showing them a project you would like to start is the first step. Putting together the plan is the second. Then attempting to make it work is the third. A teacher that is willing to collaborate with you is a great starting point.

If digital storytelling to big of a project maybe starting with just audio might work. Then expand to video after the LMS or teacher has figured out how to work all the technology. I think finding a teacher that is willing to take part in a large endeavor is the first part. If you can find that the rest will come. Aslo, taking small steps is a good idea. Coming into a school setting all ready to change the world is great but for the teachers that have been there for many years it can be a bit daunting. Once you show how it can work with a teacher than other teachers will become excited and want their kids to try.

Using digital storytelling in the classroom

I have been thinking about having students create digital stories. The optimum age to do this would have to be high school. Just the technology alone is daunting to most teachers. At least in the high school setting once you taught how to use the equipment the students could then use it independently (hopefully).

In the elementary setting if an LMS or technology person were to assist than I could see it as possible. Maybe even creating one story together as a class would be do-able. What I have witnessed of teachers and technology is not overly promising. Teachers find it very frustrating to use if you are not famaliar with it and technology needs a great amount of patience. When you have a classroom of 22 kids all asking how to get on and becoming bored because there is a glitch there can and will be problems. Definitely 2 or more people are needed to do this in the elementary setting.

Really neat message

I was perusing around for more digital storytelling components when I came across this site http://www.mcli.dist.maricopa.edu/learnshops/digital/examples.php . I was touched by the creativity of the authors. I particularly liked the "What should I do with my life?" It reminded me of a stand alone powerpoint. The author dosen't physically have to be there the audience just has to listen and watch. It tends to be more poignant and can convey feelings better than the written word. Take a look and imagine the possibilities.....because everyone has a voice and a story.

Resources for a digital storyteller

Another interesting find in digital story telling is http://www.secondstory.com/ A museum project that encompasses digital stories in a artistic way.

http://www.inms.umn.edu/elements/ contains a glossary of terms that explain some of the concepts associated with digital story telling.

Each of these sites along with the links on the side of my blog show different arenas that showcase this forum. It can be a great resource to capture stories that normally would never be saved. A person who was not totally enthralled with the writing process could be drawn to this type of expression.

Progress in digital story telling

I am not progressing with students on this project like I wanted to. The second graders I had are now coming to the library with their teacher and she is directing the lesson. I could still do a small project but will discuss with the teacher to see if we can try something. Time seems to be the biggest obstacle. I have meetings to go to and am out of the library regularly. This makes the job tougher especially when it is your first year.

Images

Cheryl brought up a good point. Images are very important in the digital story process. I have found links to different sites that have images that can be downloaded and used for free. Another great resource is having the students bring pictures from home or take them with a digital camera. There are so many possibilities. or even using a movie camera would be an interesting way to create images. Kids can be so creative we need to give them more opportunities to use those talents. This would be a great starting place.

Tina

Few more links

I have found different interesting links I have included in the side bar which took a while but was worth it. I also found on the BBC site a lot of useful information. This whole initative started in California at the Centre for Digital Storytelling. I would imagine since movie cameras came into existence this has been an art form. In a way it seems like an old idea but has been transformed because the internet is available to showcase the work. If you can find it you can watch it. I can see the appeal for students. The more ways to create that are available the more students you would reach.

Tina

New links

I have been surfing the web looking for more interesting links that showcase digital storytelling especially in the school setting. I found a great site. I have provided the link on the side bar. But will also include it here. digitalstories.org This particular site showcases students using digital storytelling to demonstrate history topics. I can see the wonderful possibilities for students with different learning styles embracing this type of outlet for school projects. By allowing students different avenues for expression it would make a classroom more stimulating. If the LMS would help teachers embrace these new technologies a wealth of learning could occur.

Modifications

After the students completed reading into the computer today. I had them do a journal entry and write about how they like the activity with the Sound Studio. Most of them really enjoyed it and said so. Their teacher even said they were trying it on the computers in their classroom. It seems like it would be a great fluency idea because they can hear themselves reading. I did notice for it to be totally free of background noise they have to be alone which can be difficult.

I am not sure if the E*Lit will fit in to the schedule. After break I will be joined by another teacher and the group of students will go up to 20 instead of 15. She will be driving the activities so we will see. Stay tuned....

2nd step??

I am trying to decide if the second graders could make a digital story. I think I would need a video camera which I don't have or at the least a digital camera. The one we have is very old. I had a teacher use it and she couldn't get the pictures off it. I will have to work on this. A scanner might work. Then they could scan in pictures or draw pictures and scan them in. we have break next week but if they still come to me after break than maybe I can try something with them.

Tina

More cool links

http://techszewski.blogs.com/ Is an interesting blog site about a teacher working on his doctorate. His thesis focuses on digital storytelling. It is very interesting and current.

One of the links I found through the above site is http://www.stories1st.org/ This site has actual stories and some are just audio. Digital storytelling is just story telling using something digital as the medium. A very interesting technique for those who are not into the written word. I can see it being used with boys to help with writing. A way to communicate that is still considered educational.

Tina

1st step

I met with the 2nd Graders today. I showed them how to use Sound Studio to record their voices. I gave each a laptop then they had to go to a quiet spot in the library and read a book to the laptop. Once done they could play it back to themselves. Using headphones proved easier to hear because the recordings tended to be very low. It took a good 30 minutes to stop hearing my name being called saying it dosen't work. I had to go around to each of them and show them the controls. It is a simple process and something they enjoyed doing. It is the 1st step in the process of creating a digital story.

I liked Rabecca's idea about using Digital Storytelling to create a presentation that goes along with E*LIT. I am trying to decide if I could actually do it. I need to check the apple computers to see if it is possible. I will do that tomorrow. I have a group of second graders I can see if they can use Sound Studio. I know it records voices. I will try them reading into it and then playing it back to themselves. I checked out the link I posted previously it is very informative. I need to look into how to use iMovie. I will leave that for the next post.

More ideas

I have Apple computers available in the elementary library I work in. I noticed I have iMovie available along with Sound Studio. I have the necessary equipment to create a digital story with students. I just need more ideas on what would be a good project to conduct with the students.

Great site http://www.coe.uh.edu/digital-storytelling/ with alot of interesting background about digital storytelling. Read on.

Tina

Digital Story Writing

Okay, I figured out how to post a new idea. I was just commenting last time. Back to the topic. I found an interesting article that describes how a teacher used the iMovie technology to help her students create a story about a place they know. The link is http://www.infotoday.com/MMSchools/jan02/banaszewski.htm . I would be very intrigued to use this technology in an elementary library. I can see many possibilities. Making a mini movie with the kids creating the script would be an interesting lesson and an interesting experience.

Welcome

Welcome to my blog. My assignment for 611 is Digital Story Writing. It sounds interesting.