RSS Feeds

According to wiki, "RSS (an abbreviation for Really Simple Syndication) is a family of Web feed formats used to publish frequently updated works—such as blog entries, news headlines, audio, and video—in a standardized format." A web feed is a data format that is used to provide users with frequently updated content. A "web feed" is also known as a "news feed."

Leveling the Playing Field

Google tools and docs
Google tools and google docs can level the playing field in that it gives access to everyone to create presentations, word documents, and spreadsheets. By going to google.com and creating an account, you can access google tools and google docs. You can even save your work and access it again and again.

Changing the Class ROOM to a Class SPACE

We as teachers can change the class ROOM to a class SPACE that includes the world in our classes. We have all heard, "the world is at are fingertips" and this is so true, let's take advantage of it. On any topic, any subject, information can be found on the world wide web.

Readers/ Writers or Listeners/ Watcher

Reading, writing, listening, and watching should all be included in teaching. The truth of the matter is that some people learn best from readiing, some from writing or listening, and some from watching. With the advanced technology that we have, there is not any reason why ALL students can't learn effectively.

Wiki/ Wikipedia

Wiki's and Wikipedia
We have talked about Wiki's and Wikipedia this semester. I have learned that anyone can post information on any given topic or subject on wiki. It is very important to check the sources of the information. Wiki can be a great startting point for research but research should not be solely based on wiki articles.

YouTube/ TeacherTube

YouTube is a video sharing website where users can upload, view and share video clips. Anyonecan watch the videos. Only if you are registered can you upload videos. The amount of uploads for registered users in unlimited. Videos that may be offensive can only be viewed by registered users that are eighteen and older. Uploading videos that contain "defamation, pornography, copyright violations, and material encouraging criminal conduct is prohibited by YouTube's terms of service."

TeacherTube is a video sharing site much like YouTube. It is designed to allow teachers, to share educational resources. The site contains a mixture of classroom teaching resources and others designed to aid teacher training. College students have also uploaded videos that they have made as part of courses. "As of July 2008, the website contains over 26,000 videos." Teachers and other educators really like TeacherTube because it includes "content filtering." Teachertube is yet another example of a technology tool that can be used in intruction.

Podcasts/ Videocasts

During my Spring semester of 2009, in EDM310, we were split off into groups to create our own podcasts on different topics. This was very interesting. This could also be used in education for older elementary students, middle and high school students. Students could be grouped and do research on any subject or topic and create a podcast presenting the information as a discussion.