Virtual Schools

After viewing the youtube video on Connections Academy, I really got to see a specific example of an effective model of virtual schools. I've read and heard all about it before but to see on in action was totally new. It was very interesting to see how a family shares their experience with having school at home, made possible by technology. Lessons, homework, chatting with instructor was all parts of virtual school that I got to see closely. The family had a very positive experience with it. The children enjoyed learning at the comfort of their own home, at their own pace. It's the new way to learn. However, when I imagined myself in that learning environment, something felt missing - this new innovative way to learn lacked what I thought were the best part of school. Learning in the classroom, having lunch in the cafeteria, and playing with friends during recess were something that I enjoyed so much as a student. So all of these thoughts came down to one conclusion - a blended learning environment. Learning partly in the classroom and partly virtually will allow students to enjoy the benefits of both worlds. As e-learning gains more attention and support, learning should be provided in a way that is a combination of classroom and online.

10 things teachers should know how to do with technology

After giving this topic some thought, I came up with my list of things that teachers should know how to do with technology to make the most of e-learning.

Teachers should be able to:

1. create and utilize web 2.0 tools such as blogs and wikis.
2. subscribe to blogs using RSS feeds.
3. embed pictures/videos.
4. leave comments and reply to them.
5. search the web using boolean search terms.
6. use social bookmarking.
7. add attachments (pictures, documents, etc)in email.
8. use tags to organize content.
9. use a variety of google applications including GoogleDoc, GoogleMap, and GoogleTranslate.
10. capture images and videos and upload them.

In my opinion, these 10 things are the basics that teachers should know how to do to be an effective teacher in the 21st century classroom.

Create your own video slideshow at animoto.com.

technology in my classroom

Everyday I try my best to incorporate technology in my classroom.
I find that it not only makes my job easier but also excites and motivates the students. It's like killing ltwo birds with one stone. Every morning, my students make the lunch count votes on the computer using Kidspiration. They click and drag their name under their lunch choice. They have fun doing it and it also shows me the names of students who are absent, without having to call attendance. I also find tons of images and videos using the internet - google is my go-to source for all the searching I do. For example, we recently wrapped up our butterfly unit (the highlight of the second grade curriculum). As an extension, we researched the lifecyle of other insects. My students suggested to study the lifecycle of a ladybug, mosquito, and praying mantis. So I went on Youtube and pulled up related videos and compared those we saw to that of a butterfly. I also use Google Translate often. This is such a great tool for family/school communication. Many of my students' parents speak a different language. Therefore, I translate notes or class newsletters to help them.
I'm looking forward to adding more to this list as I continue in the Technology for Educators Program and JHU.