http://www.inc.com/welcome.html?aw=600&ah=600
Virtual Classrooms are very popular and are a unique way to encourage and allow students, teachers, and even parents to learn via distance education. Sometimes virtual classrooms are also known as distance education, computer based training, online education, and other similar names; however it simply means a way of compiling lesson plans, activities, lab exercises, and other normal classroom activities onto a web-based environment. It is relatively cost effective and all a student needs is a computer with Internet access. The article that I found touched on the "e-learning" industry, the companies participating heavily, the recent increase in popularity, and some tips for teachers to successfully compile a virtual classroom.
Many students here at Florida Gulf Coast University should be very familiar with virtual classrooms, especially the students in this very class we are taking. I enjoy the virtual classroom setting personally because it allows me to work at my own pace, which is an advantage for distance learners that are either accelerating at a higher speed than others or those with learning disabilities, it allows students to take their time and do their best quality of work.
One tip that the article pointed out was very insightful in my opinion, they made sure teachers understood that they need to focus on the learner's point of view when designing a virtual classroom. This is very important. Not all learners want to read text, some prefer pictures, quizzes, or interactive activities. It is important for teachers to keep the point of view and most importantly the age group of the distance learners in mind.
To take this virtual classroom to a further level, I would encourage my learners to check out other virtual classrooms that are learning the same subject, perhaps in other states or even countries. I think it could only benefit learners to see the same subject from several points of view, even if it appears in other languages, it is good to experience.
Thursday, April 3, 2008
Friday, March 21, 2008
STREAMING VIDEO
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/08/06/business/media/06stream.html
I read an article in the New York Times about video streaming and the difference between it and down loadable, rather slow, clips. When someone thinks about watching a video or movie on their laptop or PC, they probably groan because the thought of the quality they are used to from download bale videos come to mind. Before streaming videos, the quality of media on computers was very poor, and a lot of the reason for this was that people didn't have fast enough speed on their computers to watch the clips. I found this tidbit in the article helpful, "The Pew Internet & American Life Project estimated that 47 percent of American households have broadband connections that make streaming possible because it transmits data faster". With 47% of the US able to watch streaming video online, many things as far as how we view things could change.
NBC and many other large tv networks have streaming video available on their websites, this could be very helpful for teachers and educators to show interesting events that are going on live around the world. Imagine being able to watch speeches and the shuttle launch live, it would be like a virtual field trip for students.
This video streaming could be taken to further lengths in education by allowing student to use streaming videos in their class projects, or even letting them create one of their classroom for others to watch. Many day cares have a video streaming live at all times to help parents feel at ease; this would be good in classrooms also. Parents could tune in throughout the day and also be aware of what their children are learning so they can incorporate that day's lesson at home. It could also help parents keep an eye on their kids behavior.
I read an article in the New York Times about video streaming and the difference between it and down loadable, rather slow, clips. When someone thinks about watching a video or movie on their laptop or PC, they probably groan because the thought of the quality they are used to from download bale videos come to mind. Before streaming videos, the quality of media on computers was very poor, and a lot of the reason for this was that people didn't have fast enough speed on their computers to watch the clips. I found this tidbit in the article helpful, "The Pew Internet & American Life Project estimated that 47 percent of American households have broadband connections that make streaming possible because it transmits data faster". With 47% of the US able to watch streaming video online, many things as far as how we view things could change.
NBC and many other large tv networks have streaming video available on their websites, this could be very helpful for teachers and educators to show interesting events that are going on live around the world. Imagine being able to watch speeches and the shuttle launch live, it would be like a virtual field trip for students.
This video streaming could be taken to further lengths in education by allowing student to use streaming videos in their class projects, or even letting them create one of their classroom for others to watch. Many day cares have a video streaming live at all times to help parents feel at ease; this would be good in classrooms also. Parents could tune in throughout the day and also be aware of what their children are learning so they can incorporate that day's lesson at home. It could also help parents keep an eye on their kids behavior.
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
Podcasting
http://www.education-world.com/a_tech/sites/sites074.shtml
Podcasting....what an awesome idea!!!!
I read an article at education worlds website that easily helped me understand exactly what a podcast is. Now that I know, I am excited; I think having an online database of audio samples is a great tool in education. The article goes into depth about what a podcast is, how to make one, and the benefits in teaching. There are several programs like Podomatic that can simplify pod casting and make it almost dummy proof.
I think all teachers should take advantage of this inexpensive way of broadening their audio library. Not only can songs be obtained, but stories and other forms of audio that can really enhance a lesson plan and gain the attention of all the students in the classroom. I would think that audio and songs would make the students much more interested in the lesson and enhance the learning potential.
To take pod casting one step further, I would love to allow students to incorporate pod casts into their projects and storyboards, the creativity would definitely flow!
Podcasting....what an awesome idea!!!!
I read an article at education worlds website that easily helped me understand exactly what a podcast is. Now that I know, I am excited; I think having an online database of audio samples is a great tool in education. The article goes into depth about what a podcast is, how to make one, and the benefits in teaching. There are several programs like Podomatic that can simplify pod casting and make it almost dummy proof.
I think all teachers should take advantage of this inexpensive way of broadening their audio library. Not only can songs be obtained, but stories and other forms of audio that can really enhance a lesson plan and gain the attention of all the students in the classroom. I would think that audio and songs would make the students much more interested in the lesson and enhance the learning potential.
To take pod casting one step further, I would love to allow students to incorporate pod casts into their projects and storyboards, the creativity would definitely flow!
Friday, February 22, 2008
Web Based Multimedia
http://www.dinf.ne.jp/doc/english/Us_Eu/conf/csun_99/session0058.html
The article that I found was called "Recent Developments in Accessible Web-based Multimedia". This article goes into depth about recent and past innovations and advancements on the Internet that allow the disabled to still be able to enjoy and benefit from videos and articles on the World Wide Web using captions and/or descriptions. It is important that these innovations be made public so that those with disabilities can still take advantage of the Internet and what it has to offer. The blind and deaf, or even people that are have slight disabilities can read captions or descriptions to learn and enjoy the same things that we watch and listen to on the Internet.
The article was accurate in touching on the fact that users that are not hearing impaired or blind can also benefit from captions, they offer more options. If one doesn't have sound or speakers, limited bandwidth, or other issues with their PC that can also use the caption.
I have from time to time used captions to help me digest what I am seeing. Sometimes hearing and seeing can help me remember what I am learning. Therefore I am one of those that can benefit from web based multimedia.
I think that this can be taken to a further or higher level, that is if it hasn't already been. I was thinking that more programs could offer captions and/ or audio captions.
I would like to see captions used in the classroom for those with learning disabilities it could help them greatly.
The article that I found was called "Recent Developments in Accessible Web-based Multimedia". This article goes into depth about recent and past innovations and advancements on the Internet that allow the disabled to still be able to enjoy and benefit from videos and articles on the World Wide Web using captions and/or descriptions. It is important that these innovations be made public so that those with disabilities can still take advantage of the Internet and what it has to offer. The blind and deaf, or even people that are have slight disabilities can read captions or descriptions to learn and enjoy the same things that we watch and listen to on the Internet.
The article was accurate in touching on the fact that users that are not hearing impaired or blind can also benefit from captions, they offer more options. If one doesn't have sound or speakers, limited bandwidth, or other issues with their PC that can also use the caption.
I have from time to time used captions to help me digest what I am seeing. Sometimes hearing and seeing can help me remember what I am learning. Therefore I am one of those that can benefit from web based multimedia.
I think that this can be taken to a further or higher level, that is if it hasn't already been. I was thinking that more programs could offer captions and/ or audio captions.
I would like to see captions used in the classroom for those with learning disabilities it could help them greatly.
Saturday, February 16, 2008
Digital Imagery
http://thejournal.com/articles/17145
The article that I read on digital imagery was very interesting. Many classrooms over the past fifty or so years have lacked in the "realistic" mind capturing areas. Students need to be intrigued and be able to place themselves in the place or subject area that they are learning about. Digital cameras and imagery is used worldwide to enhance visual literacy. Many students are visual learners and require a detailed realistic picture to push their minds to the max. I am a very big fan of using digital imagery in the classrooms, it could be used by students and educators to paint a more realistic picture for everyone. Text books and videos lack the realistic view that digital images have, digital cameras with a high mega pixel count are ideal.
I know that many schools have digital cameras availale for teachers and students to check out of the media center and use to help enhance their levels of education.
One way that I would take digital imagery to a higher level or means is to allow learners to use digital cameras to create storyboards, or in projects to create visual means to their presentation.
The article that I read on digital imagery was very interesting. Many classrooms over the past fifty or so years have lacked in the "realistic" mind capturing areas. Students need to be intrigued and be able to place themselves in the place or subject area that they are learning about. Digital cameras and imagery is used worldwide to enhance visual literacy. Many students are visual learners and require a detailed realistic picture to push their minds to the max. I am a very big fan of using digital imagery in the classrooms, it could be used by students and educators to paint a more realistic picture for everyone. Text books and videos lack the realistic view that digital images have, digital cameras with a high mega pixel count are ideal.
I know that many schools have digital cameras availale for teachers and students to check out of the media center and use to help enhance their levels of education.
One way that I would take digital imagery to a higher level or means is to allow learners to use digital cameras to create storyboards, or in projects to create visual means to their presentation.
Friday, February 8, 2008
Storyboarding
http://www.education.com/magazine/article/Storyboarding_Use_pictures_help/
Storyboarding-
Something that I really like about these weekly discussions is that some of the time the topic is brand new to me. Like last week, I hadn’t even heard of the topic. I get to learn from scratch. I looked up Storyboarding and loved the concept. I found an article that painted a very clear and precise picture in my mind about storyboarding and how it works.
The article started by explaining how elementary and even older students can get stumped and has a hard time starting a paper or story; I am very familiar with this problem. I myself have always thought the hardest part of starting a paper is actually starting. Storyboarding is a wonderful way to help a student gather their thoughts, brainstorm, and determine the organization of the paper they are going to write. I think storyboarding is a new, advanced, more creative way of outlines. I always hated making outlines, even though they helped, they seemed so boring. Storyboarding is a colorful type of outline, and I would imagine is much more effective than a traditional outline. The child can draw pictures, move things around, and visually see their story before their pencil even hits the paper.
I have never seen an actual storyboard or tried doing one, but would like to try. A way that maybe it could be taken to a higher level or further would be to add some audio. Maybe when a parent or teacher is brainstorming with the student they could tape the conversation so that it can help remind the students their ideas if they get sidetracked.
Storyboarding-
Something that I really like about these weekly discussions is that some of the time the topic is brand new to me. Like last week, I hadn’t even heard of the topic. I get to learn from scratch. I looked up Storyboarding and loved the concept. I found an article that painted a very clear and precise picture in my mind about storyboarding and how it works.
The article started by explaining how elementary and even older students can get stumped and has a hard time starting a paper or story; I am very familiar with this problem. I myself have always thought the hardest part of starting a paper is actually starting. Storyboarding is a wonderful way to help a student gather their thoughts, brainstorm, and determine the organization of the paper they are going to write. I think storyboarding is a new, advanced, more creative way of outlines. I always hated making outlines, even though they helped, they seemed so boring. Storyboarding is a colorful type of outline, and I would imagine is much more effective than a traditional outline. The child can draw pictures, move things around, and visually see their story before their pencil even hits the paper.
I have never seen an actual storyboard or tried doing one, but would like to try. A way that maybe it could be taken to a higher level or further would be to add some audio. Maybe when a parent or teacher is brainstorming with the student they could tape the conversation so that it can help remind the students their ideas if they get sidetracked.
Wiki's
http://computer.howstuffworks.com/wiki.htm
Wiki’s
Wiki’s are something that I have been using for years and years and had never stopped long enough to even give them a second thought. This article put Wiki’s into perspective for me. Whenever I am doing a research project and I google or type a topic into my internet browser, usually the first result I find is something from the Wikipedia, I have ironically never second guessed the material, or even seen the area where it can be edited. After reading this article, the content that I have been relying on is suddenly brought to a new light, is it accurate? The article that I just read momentarily put my mind at rest by confirming that almost all of the information and articles that are attached with the topic are correct and reliable, but who really knows?
A wiki is a website on a topic that has several internal and external sites. When a word is highlighted in blue, it is a link to another site that goes more into depth into that word or topic. One could go on forever within a wiki; each topic can lead you to millions more. I think it is a great idea and wonderful research tool; however I really hope that it is all correct information like it is said to be.
It is essential for students to have a reliable and knowledgeable source on the internet to do their research, encyclopedias are becoming outdated now that everything is available online; I cannot even remember the last time I picked up an encyclopedia!
Wiki’s
Wiki’s are something that I have been using for years and years and had never stopped long enough to even give them a second thought. This article put Wiki’s into perspective for me. Whenever I am doing a research project and I google or type a topic into my internet browser, usually the first result I find is something from the Wikipedia, I have ironically never second guessed the material, or even seen the area where it can be edited. After reading this article, the content that I have been relying on is suddenly brought to a new light, is it accurate? The article that I just read momentarily put my mind at rest by confirming that almost all of the information and articles that are attached with the topic are correct and reliable, but who really knows?
A wiki is a website on a topic that has several internal and external sites. When a word is highlighted in blue, it is a link to another site that goes more into depth into that word or topic. One could go on forever within a wiki; each topic can lead you to millions more. I think it is a great idea and wonderful research tool; however I really hope that it is all correct information like it is said to be.
It is essential for students to have a reliable and knowledgeable source on the internet to do their research, encyclopedias are becoming outdated now that everything is available online; I cannot even remember the last time I picked up an encyclopedia!
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