Exit Slip-class 2/15

Today I learned a little about Animoto. I found out that the transitions between pictures was matched to the rhythm of the music.

I discovered a new presentation tool--Glogster. The girls who did the presentation did a really good job and made me want to use this site when I am making presentations. I also thought more about the reading through the discussion topics from the presentation. It also can be used to make other creations. I was glad to get a chance to use the clickers again. We got to see the graph of where the class was in terms of education skeptics and enthusiasts.

Do we need to know the facts or be able to access them and do something with the information we looked up? This will influence how you teach. I think it's a little of both but I'm still learning and rethinking my opinion.

Some contemporary issues I learned about today are:
3-D projectors: It has not been implemented in schools but has been around for awhile (3-D movies). They have now made a 3-D projector for schools. Negative aspects: it is a simulation; it does not provide first-hand experience. Also, how can we accommodate students with disabilities (autism, etc.)? I never thought about having this technology in the classroom. The videos are short (only a few minutes) and are supplemental to lessons.

The I test: use technology in these areas: science, technology, engineering and math. It is used to get older students interested in these subjects and make that into a possible career because there are not enough people in these careers and those with limited resources. Can it be used for young children and if so how? Will this really work? I guess we will have to wait and see. Jeff said, "You can't teach what you don't know"; I agree. We don't know very much about these subjects so we can't teach them to our students anymore.

Microchip implants in children: used to find your children if they are lost, kidnapped, injured, deceased, etc. (This is already used in animals). It sounds like it could be helpful (with private information, medical history, etc.) but there are questions about people's privacy. Also, there are probably some health risks (i.e. cancer) associated with this. I wonder exactly how it would work (cost, putting them in people, etc.)? Children don't get to choose to have this done, it is done to them. I'm not sure about this. I think there is a difference between putting a chip in an animal and putting it in a human. I wouldn't want a chip in me and I don't think I would want it in any children either.

Childhood obesity and technology: children spend many hours sitting in front of a computer or playing video games. Children do not play outside or participate in physical activities as much as they used to before this new era of technology. This generation is very "tech-savy", which is a good thing. Technology is useful and a great tool. It's when people abuse food and parents give their children too much. Technology doesn't make people obese, people choose not to exercise. I don't think one hour of physical activity each day is enough time for young children to get adequate exercise. Safety is an issue but I think we still need to find ways for children (and everyone) to get more exercise outside (Wii exercise does not count!). School is decreasing it's allotment of time for physical activity (recess, P.E.). Parents also are not providing their children with nutritious food. In conclusion, don't eat so much and instead go outside and engage in physical activity more!

Tech tools:
Brain Pop: It is engaging and entertaining but difficult to navigate. Students can get more practice here and teachers can use it as a scaffolding tool. It is not free (only 5-7 day trial). Adults would have to help guide young children to the correct game.

Community Walk: It is a mapping tool. It is a map. To add additional spots, you have to enter an address. You can share your map with others. Use it in the classroom: compile locations while going on a virtual trip. Certain parts you have to sign up to access. It is free, which is good.

Glogster: You can make it private. Kids may be bogged down with typing and design, but good for having students do projects on subtopics or teachers to use during theme teaching.

Skype: A strength is using it for group work when they can't meet for group assignments, have a guest speaker using Skype (this way the guest doesn't have to travel). You can also do pen pals on Skype (and see them). A weakness is that there are freezing/connection problems and you need to buy a webcam (and a microphone if the computer does not come with one).

Podcasts are audio files you can download and listen to. They now have video podcasts. Lead-in music should draw the audience in and lead-out music should conclude the podcast. You can make it private. Anyone can make a podcast so soon I will make one for class.