Journal 4 - Kids & Video Cameras

If You Give a Kid a Video Camera. . . - By: L. O. Campbell

Summary - Through cause and effect, if you were to give students an opportunity to create videos; then, the student will want to use the device to learn more.  By utilizing the video format each subject can be further explored in a way not available to the student before.  In the subjects of art and literature, students can create video responses to what they have read, much like: move critics do on television and the Internet.  Video can be used for: long term analysis of students by teachers, sending messages to a pen pal, or feedback in learning centers.  The saying, "A picture is worth a thousand words." then a movie must be invaluable.

Q1: What kind projects could I implement in my classroom?

A1: I could incorporate the use of a video camera to by having my classroom conduct interviews of other classmates.  In interviewing other classmates, students can gain a greater understanding of their peers and develop greater communication skills.  Using Skype, my classroom can create a pen pal relationship with classrooms around the world.

Q2: How can I ensure safety of both my students and equipment?

A2: I can ensure that the camera is used only in strictest of confidence.  Like any other electronic devise the camera is to be used for school only.  By cataloging devices and who they are checked out to I can hold students responsible for the items and data they may collect.  According to the article protective cases can also be acquired for protection of the equipment.  Safe practices in filming practices and content to be filmed will take the outlining of specific rules that will have to be made prior to the use of the cameras.

Campbell, L. O. (2012). If you give a kid a video camera. . . Learning & Leading with Technology, 39(5), 30-33. Retrieved from http://www.iste.org/learn/publications/learning-and-leading/February-2012.aspx

Journal 3 - Utilizing Infographics

Infographics: More Than Words Can Say - By: J. Krauss

Summary -  Infographics are visual depictions of data, for example: charts, pictographs, flowcharts, venn diagrams, etc. The utilization of infographics is to portray information that can be accessed by more than one part of the brain.  More than often information is written or read by students in the K-12 curriculum; infographics are visuals that can help students to further understand the content that teachers are attempting to get across and vise versa (students content to teachers).  When creating infographics: utilize as much data as possible while using minimal ornamentation,  infographics can be created by hand or with a computer, and utilize free software if possible.  Resources to develop infographic proficiency can be found on the last page of the article.

Q1: How can I develop infographic knowledge without computer proficiency? 

A1: A basic knowledge of graphs, charts, and diagrams are essential to developing a proficient use of infographics.  By taking key elements of the before mentioned items I can help my students to understand the principles of what should and will be shown in their graphics.  Before I was able to create a graph with a computer: I first learned about different styles of graphing and charting, second I learned how to construct graphs by hand, and third I learned how to use the software to create similar visuals.  Using low tech tools (e.i: protractors, rulers, pens, etc) my students will be ale to create infographics before they are computer proficient and also to compensate for those without access to a computer.

Q2: Do I believe infographics are useful? 

A2: Yes.  As a predominately visual learner I have benefited greatly from visuals.  Information and data should be given in multiple formats that will be accessible to all learners.  Using infographics in my classroom can also aide students in portraying information or data they have collected for projects.  The saying "A picture is worth a thousand words," is a valid cliche in this instance. There are many concepts that I would have had less comprehension in if they were not given in an infographic format.

Krauss, J. (2012). Infographics: More than words can say. Learning & Leading with Technology, 39(5), 10-14. Retrieved from http://www.iste.org/learn/publications/learning-and-leading/February-2012.aspx

Journal 2 - Twitter, Technology & Education

Join the Flock! - By: H. Ferguson

Summary - The main premise of the article Join the Flock!, is the incorporation of educators into social networking.  Twitter is the primary focus of the article which encourages educators to use Twitter as a device for sharing: teaching resources, projects, educational information.  The article chooses to show that twitter is not just a tool for random complaints but collaboration.  Utilizing collaboration, re-tweeting, and tagging, teachers can now talk and share ideas across any boundary.

Q1: How will I use Twitter as an educational tool?

A1: I can utilize Twitter by developing a relationship and community with other educators interested in teaching technology or any other school subject.  As other educators post projects and ideas, I can re-tweet those ideas or post my own.  I can also incorporate Twitter as a tool for parents: notifying them of major projects in class, educational websites to help their children, and educational opportunities or events in the community (ex: museums, zoos, plays, etc.).

Ferguson, H. (2010). Join the flock!. Learning & Leading with Technology, 37(8), 12-15. Retrieved from http://www.iste.org/learn/publications/learning-and-leading/digital-edition-june-july-2010.aspx

Enhance Your Twitter Experience - By: S. M. Miller

Summary -  If teachers are to utilize Twitter as an educational tool; then,  it is extremely important that educators learn how to use Twitter to the best of their ability.  Understanding key terminology like: tweet, tagging, lists, and microblogging, teachers can develop an easier Twitter experience with strategies and organization.  This article gives basic instructions on how to organize and setup a Twitter account and delve deeper into Twitter based technologies and tools as an educator.

Q1: How will I maintain my educational Twitter experience?

A1: When I become a teacher I will have a Twitter account setup (follow me @MendiolaRobert).  This account will be essential in creating my Personal Learning Network (PLN) and notifying parents ad other educators of what is going on in my educational world.  This account will be given to parents to follow what is going on in and around our educational community and used for my own purposes in connecting with like teachers and acquiring resources on and for teaching. Tagging will be used to directly notify those who follow my lists and linking sites will also be used to create direct pathways for my followers.

Miller, S. M. (2010). Enhance your twitter experience. Learning & Leading with Technology, 37(8), 15-17. Retrieved from http://www.iste.org/learn/publications/learning-and-leading/digital-edition-june-july-2010.aspx