Excel Crossword Puzzel NETS 1, 2, and 3

Creating the crossword puzzle in Excel was difficult for me because I never used Excel before. Once I listened to the directions a couple of times though I was able to complete the puzzle and felt good about my accomplishment. I think this is very useful for students because they should familiarize themselves with excel and it's uses.

Internet Safety Collaborative Resource - NETS 3, 4 and 5

Reading the information about Internet Safety and Copyright showed me how devastating the effects can be on students from illegal practices of piracy, identity theft, cyberbullying, and sharing of inappropriate material. As a teacher I will demonstrate the seriousness of this because it is important for instructors to instill appropriate behavior in their students in an early grade level. I plan to share with my students the devastating results of what can happen from these activities on both sides because there are repercussions from the law that they will have to face.

Meuse Copyright

Journal #10 NETS 1, 2 and 3

Lawler, J. (2010). Let the kids do the work. L&L—Learning & Leading with Technology, (6), Retrieved from http://www.iste.org

The article, “Let the kids do the work” is about a teacher who discovers that through the access of the internet, via the program wiki, the students in his class have a more effective voice on their peer’s work than he does and are not only self taught but become teachers to the rest of the class including him. He found that because wiki is an online program which the student’s love to use, they are interested in communicating and reading one another’s assignments which allows them to critique one another more effectively. Students respect the opinion of their peers more than the opinion of their teacher and since most students are internet savvy they spend hours talking with each other more honestly about their projects.

This teacher is amazed at how quickly the student’s picked up the concepts of Wiki and he didn’t really have to teach them how to use it. One student even criticized his Wiki design and showed him how to improve its appearance. He let that student teach the class on how to design their Wiki. Another student wrote an essay posting it online and the student’s gave her negative feedback which inspired her to improve it. The teacher believes she would not have cared to develop her essay if it weren’t for the student’s opinions which she took to heart assured that his comments would have been meaningless to her and not motivating enough for her to improve upon.

This teacher goes on to say that one day he forgot to post a lesson on the class wiki for the next day and one of his student’s took the initiative to do it for him. She figured out on her own what needed to be done to post the pages with information on the wiki for the class and he never had to show her how. Another student helped hundreds of other students get their homework done by way of the wiki. This teacher realized that not only are the student’s listening more to their peers, responding to each other about school work, but they are also finding an avenue of communication through the Wiki that surpasses texting, emailing and phone calling. Wiki enables student’s, who normally would be too shy to speak out in class, have an interactive voice in cyberspace where every one carries equal weight.

Question #1: Do you think it is a good idea to let students in your classroom act as instructors? Answer: Yes, because there is much evidence that children of all ages learn best from their peers as they seem to relate to them more so are given more attention. I also think at the same time the teacher should act as the coach along with the student as they instruct a particular lesson, as in this case the child was more technologically experienced than the teacher.

Question #2: Do you think it is important to teach technology in the early grades? Yes, in my experience as a classroom observer, I saw a 3rd grade class go to the computer lab and log on to the web as they created a PowerPoint presentation. I was impressed at how efficient they were and realized that if they can do that at age 9 they can also take on more complicated technological projects and be better prepared for their futures in the work place.

Wiki Page: Create a Book (Class Tools) - NETS 1, 2, and 3

Creating this Wiki page was an enlightening experience. It is a great tool to go to for an instructor to use to help implement fun and education for students. I am amazed at how ingenuousness the creators of the software are. There are so many choices to pick from to help students and I had fun making a virtual book for student's to use in homework assignments.

Journal #6 NETS 1, 2 ,3 and 5

Journal #6: Interactive Boards;(iboards)

The leader in Interactive boards is the SmartBoard and the Promethean which are used in the classroom as a tool for interaction amongst the teacher and student and have been arounf for 15 years. These brands have interactive software that is only compatible with its own brand. These Interactive Boards are great for opening up discussions via the internet in a classroom setting in the format of a digital notebook. They are a large screen like a white board but have the capacity of a touch screen to accesses the World Wide Web for additional online information to share instantaneously with the classroom. It is basically a public computer for the class which is on a large sized projected computer screen that allows the class to virtually go on field trips. Teacher and students can share their thinking and explorations and increase knowledge in an open group format. There is also a recording device that many teachers use along with it which can be converted to Quicktime for posting research projects.

The Smart notebook has copyright rules where as the Promethean does not. A SmartBoard costs around $1120 for just the board, no mounting, and if you want a Bluetooth that's another $300. If you need your projector ceiling mounted which you will need to purchase, that will be another $650. If you get an Interwrite Wacom Pad, at about $500, all you need to purchase is the projector at about $650 which doesn't need to be ceiling mounted because no one will be stepping in front of the projector. This will only cost $1150. This is only 1/2 to 1/3 the cost of the SmartBoard. Also there is no calibration needed. Teachers need to be trained in how to use the board interactively with the students or it can become a glorified overhead. The interactivity of the board keeps the students involved because they are capable of participating and manipulating the lesson and this interaction shifts the focus from a teacher centered activity to a more student led activity increasing student thinking and participation.

There are also interactive note pads which are smaller than the Interactive Boards and the students can sit at their desks to use them along with an interactive wand. Teachers can equip their class with 4 or 5 wireless tablets for the price of one smart board. With these spread out through the room students can work collaboratively on the same project. Much of the functionality of this technology is driven by the software, not the Board, or the slate. Letting students come up to the SmartBoard seems to be an easier transition for teachers than to hand off the slates and the control to the students at their seats. The teacher has the capacity to roam around the class and interact with the students while staying on target. With the wireless slate, teachers can technically be in two places at one time. They can write in the front of the room but be physically anywhere they want to be. This is very freeing and can be beneficial when certain students need special attention and kept in close proximity.


Journal #6 Comments:

1. Christina Edwards wrote on Gaming.
2. Tana Townsend wrote on Collaborative Documents.
3. Brenda wrote on Microblogging.

Journal #9 NETS 1, 2, 3 and 5

Weller, T. J. (2010). Playing with skype. L&L—Learning & Leading with Technology, 37(6), Retrieved from http://www.iste.org

After reading the article about Skype, I realized that the educational possibilities are endless with today’s technological breakthroughs. Skype brings a live event right into the classroom and this can not only expose children to musical concerts while they are happening but theatre, governmental debates, Wall Street stock exchanges, commercial companies in progress, Zoological institutes and entertainment. The only stipulation is getting the approval of the event coordinator to alloy broadcasting.

There has been accessibility for years to many cultural experiences but not usually as easily adapted as how Skype makes it possible. According to the article, you don’t need heavy equipment or expensive gadgets to film a live performance or occasion. Skype makes it possible with only a computer with a broadband internet connection, a data projector, a couple of microphones, a webcam, adaptors, a screen and sound apparatus. This can allow almost any school the ability to expose children to numerous educational experiences right in the classroom that are not found in a book but viewed live. I think the fact that it is live would grasp the attention of the students and help capture their interest, learning more than a video would do as well.

The author, Travis claims that many teachers fear technology and I agree with him. Most teachers have been around for awhile and haven’t been exposed to ways to incorporate it in the classroom or have the knowledge base to attempt it. What needs to happen is for teachers to go to some technology training seminars so they can get up to speed and utilize the vast advantages of combining education along with technology and open the door of knowledge in the world to our youth in ways that will help them have a stronger grasp on what is going on in politics, world events and culture.

I think that Travis, is on the right track with getting excited about exposing his class to composers in concerts to give students the feeling of what is involved in the process. Can you imagine if students saw world wide events going on regularly and came to more clear understandings about life how much better prepared for the real world they would be? I also think they would be smarter and maybe even take life more seriously.

Question #1 What are the costs of these instruments precisely and do all schools have a fund that can be dipped into to buy them such as your school did? Answer: The cost varies depending on how much equipment each school already has. For instance, most schools have a screen, a computer, a microphone or two and sound capabilities so that just leaves the cost of the data projector and Webcam which should be available between one and two-thousand dollars.

Question#2 Why do you think most schools are not up to par with technology? Answer:I think it is because they weren’t exposed to it at a young age so they don’t have the background knowledge that most of our kids today have. Also the rigorous Standardized testing has taken priority over the benefit of a full well rounded education.

CSUSM Hate Crime PSA NETS 1 and 2

Creating the iMovie on hate crime was an exciting experience as I took photos on the CSUSM campus of posters made because of the hate crime incident. The program was a blast to use and I hope to be able to teach a class on it as an educator.

ISTE's Standards for Teachers NETS 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5

I chose all five NETS standards for this project because all of them are in this diagram explain the what the NETS standards are and what each on e represents. I found that I became more clear on what the standards are as I did this assignment and thought that the program was fun and easy to use.

Journal #8 NETS 1, 2, 3 and 5

Lindsay, J., & Davis, V. ( 2010). Navigate the digital rapids. L&L—Learning & Leading with Technology, 37(6), Retrieved from http://www.iste.org

This article is about the importance of utilizing technology in the classroom and how important it is for educators to step up to the plate with learning the use of technology so that they can teach it properly to their students. There are also many good sources to help teachers monitor its use in the classroom. Teaching online social interactions and social ethics outside of the classroom is why it is vital for young learners to have instruction of proper internet ethics. 
Teachers can keep up with the times with Digiteachers. This program incorporates art and learning and helps make internet teaching more creative and fun for the students. With the use of Web 2.0 tools like Wikis, Nings, and Blogging platforms, teachers also can get connected to their students through a mutually pleasing and enjoyable outlet. By sharing in an enjoyable interaction with students involving education, it allows a new freshness to the classroom environment for both teacher and student. This enjoyment allows the teacher student dynamics to go beyond the learning specifics and expand in to a friendship and trusting relationship. By gaining the trust of the students, teachers are opening the door to more advanced communication and greater learning.
Flat Classroom projects is an educational network made up of a professional group that aides in maintaining an assisted monitoring environment. Teachers need to monitor all online networking to make sure it is safe and appropriate for their students and they also need a way of finding out what students are doing online. Flat Classroom was started by Julie Lindsay and Vicki Davis for the purpose of educating students in high school and exposing them to a global world of education. The term, flat classroom is representative of a computer screen in which education can be shared in the classroom. RSS feeds also specializes in monitoring questionable photos and keeps track of students visiting inappropriate sites
It is important to teach students how to use the internet as a safety precaution and not take for granted that they know the proper way to use it with out getting into trouble. Children as young as five are now being taught how to use digital software and educating them even in kindergarten is a great time to begin lessons on internet safely.
Question #1 Are there educational classes for the teachers to help them learn the software and teach their students? Answer: Yes, we offer online courses that can be learned in the privacy of your home and we offer interactive communication with questions and answers in an open forum.

Question #2  Has there ever been a problem with students or teachers refusing to learn technology? Answer: there are a few schools that still do not tap into the world of technology to further the education of the students but very few and they are in small towns in the country. Once a school decides to adhere to the standards of technology all the staff and student body must also agree to the policies.

Journal #7 NETS 1, 2, 3 and 5

Zanetis, J. (2010). The Beginner's guide to interactive virtual field trips. L&L—Learning & Leading with Technology, 37(6), Retrieved from http://www.iste.org


Virtual Field trips (VFTs) are a great addition to learning and experiencing on your own and bring an even greater element to the school curriculum. Another great aspect is the ability to visit far away places you wouldn’t normally go such as deep below the earth’s surface into the world of underwater life. Most likely not may field trips venture into the realm of scuba diving but with interactive virtual field trips students can experience life within the sea by way of cameras, internet experience and videoconferencing equipment. This is different than a video cam which is just hooked on to your computer. VFTs can take you anywhere and use h.323 videoconferencing technology.

Students now have the capability to also visit historical landmarks such as George Washington’s Mount Vermont Estate in Virginia. It is beautiful and so well designed that as you sit before the screen you can feel as if you are right there in Washington’s home. It gave a real sense of the era back then and the virtual tour of the restored original environment made you feel as if you were standing in the foyer doing a 360 degree turn slowly. I could almost picture soldiers marching outside and with the imaginations of students I think these tours would really stimulate excitement as they run through the pages of history and make it seem more realistic.

Virtual Field trips are different because the video is broadcast over the Internet and uses two technologies, either asynchronous or interactive synchronous formats. Asynchronous formats are websites with text, audio, and video material specifically covering a topic. They are great for covering educational material in a realistic way and expand to as many outlets as observations of over 300 museums, science centers and historical sites. Most of the sites have interactive capabilities where you can ask questions and receive answers from experts. This is a great way to inform students of any age or grade level and opend new worlds for many students with disabilities.
Question #1 Are there additional features in Virtual Field trips for the deaf, blind or English Language Learners? Answer: Yea, Virtual Field trips have add on equipment for the hearing impaired and offer brail pamphlets for some of the virtual tours. There are also translations available in many different languages available as an add on feature and can be ordered when purchasing the site tours.
Question #2 Has there ever been any violation of privacy rights when touring some virtual sites or attachments that load viruses onto ones computer? Answer: No, our Virtual Field trip sites are guaranteed safe and free of internet scavengers. We protect our sites from any pirating with the latest protection.

Nets PowerPoint NETS 1, 2, and 3

Using PowerPoint is a very big part of the elementary classroom these days. In all of my observations I have seen the elementary classes go to labs to use it. It is valuable for students to know how to create layouts and surf the web for images. It will be fun to teach them this program because I love it.

PowerPointCM

Nets Collaborative PowerPoint Rubric-NETS 2

Social Bookmarking NETS 4 and 5

Reading the articles in Social Bookmarking helped to open my eyes on topics I was nor aware of. There was a test I took and that showed me how little I knew about the effects of discrimination in our country. There was also good information about cyber bullying that I learned and plan to pass on to my future students on what not to do!

1. National Archives-American Women in History
This article discusses great women in American History, particularly Susan B. Anthony and Elizabeth Stanton who were inspirational in having a huge impact on women's rights. Back in the late eighteen hundreds they fought for 50 years for women's right to vote and anti slavery. They died before they were able to see it come to fruition. The value of using this primary source in the classroom is that pertinent information can easily be accessed for students to learn from.

2. NEA-Achievement Gap
The achievement gaps that this article is referring to are the difference in the test scores among minorities, english language learners, low income families and people with disabilities. The tests are set against middle class students from higher income families that don't have disabilities to interfere with their learning and are compared to the students with disadvantages. This is creates an environment of inequality and creates racial tensions.


3. Stop Cyber Bullying
 got 0 on my score so according to the results I am a saint regarding cyber bullying. This article called,"wired kids summit", is about an approach to stop this whole process of cyber bullying through positive hero cartoon pop ups. Law enforcements unite with kids and their parents and together they bring awareness and create prevention techniques.


4. Kathy Schrock's Guide for Educators
 I first viewed Performing Arts and found a site on puppet building. I think this is a fun thing for kids to learn and a tool that can be incorporated in education. The mold is created by using the arm and hand covered with paper mache. Then it is painted and feathers are added. You can be as creative as you want and use the instructions to the detail for better results. The second article under the second column titles teacher helpers I chose presentation support. I chose the information specialist for technological questions. This is a site all educators will find handy (unless you are a computer geek yourself). Thus site offers a workshop to teach technology which is handy for teaching students.


5. Multiple Intelligences
My test results were 81% in both Musical and Interpersonal Intelligences. My third highest was 67% in Body Kinestetics. I watched two movies, one on Smatsville and one on Gardner's interview. I liked how the first video said it's not how mart you are that matters but how are you smart, meaning where re your strengths. Gardner had a lot to say and I thought it was interesting how he said he felt it was more important to learn to think scientifically which takes time. He said it is important to get feedback, internalize it and then apply self assessment in the future after you have understood where you were wrong. I also liked wha the said about the myth of teaching only being achieved through books and showing what you've learned through tests. He said there ae many other ways to learn and show your knowledge. He also said it is unfair that education treats everyone the same.


6. Teaching Tolerance-Lesson Idea
My test results were 81% in both Musical and Interpersonal Intelligences. My third highest was 67% in Body Kinestetics. I watched two movies, one on Smatsville and one on Gardner's interview. I liked how the first video said it's not how mart you are that matters but how are you smart, meaning where re your strengths. Gardner had a lot to say and I thought it was interesting how he said he felt it was more important to learn to think scientifically which takes time. He said it is important to get feedback, internalize it and then apply self assessment in the future after you have understood where you were wrong. I also liked wha the said about the myth of teaching only being achieved through books and showing what you've learned through tests. He said there ae many other ways to learn and show your knowledge. He also said it is unfair that education treats everyone the same.


7. EdChange Multicultural Awareness Quiz
 was shocked at the cocaine statistic how getting busted with powder cocaine, which is associated with wealthy people and crack associated with poor, makes a difference in the Federal Law for mandatory imprisonment. 500 grams of powder and only 5 grams of crack will mandate the same 5 year sentence. The other statistic that I found interesting was the Princeton study. Students with "Legacy Status" handed down from previous generations got 160 extra points on their SAT scores! No wonder it is harder to advance yourself if you are the first in a family to go to college.


8. Netiquette
Netiquette is a cyberspace guide for proper etiquette. It states to remember the human and don't treat people as you would if you are road rager. Be respectful and considerate to the newbies. Help guide unfamiliar steps and always be respectful and honest and check out chat rooms before entering. I scored 90% on the quiz. You want to add emoticans links in your emails to express feelings and concerns. An emoticon is a textual expression representing the face of a writer's mood or facial expression. For example, :), :(, and :D. They are often used to alert a responder to the tenor or temper of a statement, and can change and improve interpretation of plain text.

Journal #4 NETS 1, 2, 3 and 5

Bull, G., (2010, February,). Finding students who learn with media. Learning and Leading with Technology, 5, Retrieved from http://www.iste.org

With today’s era in technology, most kids are already exposed to the internet either through the school, at home or a friend’s. Many of them have technological devices from iPods, iPhones, video games on an Xboxs, Playstations, PSPs or some other computer based video game system. Numerous kids are more technologically advanced then their parents and therefore pick up on new skills very quickly. Education is trying to keen in on this phenomenon by combining academics and technology.

Some educators are introducing Primary Access MovieMaker to students in hopes of advancing their creativity while expanding scholastic knowledge. Primary Access MovieMaker allows students to ad text and images with an audio narration in developing short films. They lean to edit and develop story lines with facts in history, geography and other subject matter. Educators realize that kids love to be creative and using their imagination stimulates the enthusiasm for learning. By assigning the task of developing a film that addresses curriculum, the students are more cognitive and enthusiastic in reviewing content. Their attention is stimulated consequently their retention of educational data is as well. Primary Access MovieMaker was developed to eliminate standard digital video editors.

Learning the functions of standard equipment and the time associated in producing short films takes time away from actual learning standardized curriculum. Primary Access MovieMaker is simple to use and combined with Primary Access Storyboard, students can create a visual historical narrative in one class period. These online tools can also allow the teacher to monitor the progress of the students while they are creating and make assessments without interruption. Students who have used this system of leaning have proven to excel in their knowledge and retention and educators are trying to incorporate online environments in the regular classroom.

Question 1# Is it expensive to purchase the software to install Primary Access MovieMaker or Storyboard on the school’s computers? Answer: The initial expense is minimal and considering that it can be used over and over for many years averages out to pennies compared to the benefits achieved through the use of it. Unlike books, software does not wear out.

Question 2# If it is so good why don’t more schools offer this program?

Answer: This is a relatively new program and it is on the rise. We hope to get it into schools nationwide by the year 2012. sometimes new ideas in education are prevented due to high demand to meet required curriculums. Creativity has been put on the back burner but we feel our technology can benefit both aspects of education, academic and creativity.

Journal #1 NETS 1, 2, 3, and 5

Johnson, D. (2010, December). Keeping the peace. Learning and Leading with Technology, 4, Retrieved from http://www.iste.org

Cloud computing is a wonderful opportunity for all to benefit from. It offers the use of software many wouldn’t normally have the option of. Two big advantages of using cloud computing is that you don’t have to have money for purchasing software or hardware in order to utilize it or have the means to store it on your hard drive. This availability gives you the benefit of a high speed service that is accessible anywhere or anytime no matter what computer you are using. You can’t download the software, but all you have to do is log on in order to take advantage of it’s free service!

Cloud computing is free and that is amazing since most of us don’t have the money required to install needed software or keep it updated. There are web sites that you can easily log onto to make use of free software they store for anyone. This is something most people aren’t aware of in fact one very popular site that has the option of cloud computing is Google. The access site for open software use is Google docs. Another cloud computing option is wiki. They allow you to use spreadsheets, the latest word processing system and make presentations. This option is not only great for personal use but for schools and businesses.

The use of Cloud computers in many companies and school districts allows them the opportunity to free up money that normally would have to be used in purchasing expensive software to meet more important issues. This includes budget cut backs and employee layoffs. Elementary education is where computer knowledge begins. Many school age kids already know a great deal about technology but the vast majority doesn’t have an option to learn the latest advancements in word processing, spreadsheets or the latest technology which can aid them greatly in their futures.  Cloud computing cyberspace assistance can save thousands of dollars in initial investment and allow numerous interactive benefits no other software is capable of.

Cloud computing got its name from the concept of a cloud metaphor used to diagram the Internet and networks. Cloud computing relies on applications and file storage residing on networks. They also offer the advantage of photo storage, photo editing and web page editing that are also offered in cloud computing. You can store commercial or personal photos on a storage site but there is no guarantee all your files are secure so back ups for important documents is a good idea.

Question 1# Are there training sessions offered for schools to learn and teach their students how to take advantage of Cloud computing?

Answer: There is still not that many schools in the elementary levels that are aware of the vast opportunities available to them through the use of cloud computing. I would like to see the word get out and one simple session could be taught to one individual who could in turn teach an entire school.

Question 2# Is there anyway that cloud computing can tie into other peoples personal computers and steal identities? That is not very likely since there is no downloading taking place. You only have to log onto an established browser and through their website access the software. This is not a guarantee though because computer pirating and viruses have mysterious ways of encroaching. We highly recommend that consumers don’t open attachments or unwanted downloads for protection.

Journal #2 NETS 1, 2, 3 and 5

Journal #2  Keeping the Peace

Levinson, M. (2010,, November, 7,). Keeping the peace. Learning and Leading with Technology, 5, Retrieved from http://www.iste.org

Teachers and faculty try to stay in touch with society’s movements so that they can relay important events with their students and keep them abreast of current events. The problem is though that sometimes sharing new ideas that have not yet been tried can backfire as in the case of Nueva Middle School. Faculty assumed it would be a good idea to let students take laptops home to explore iChat with peers in hopes of encouraging communication and expanding new concepts but little did they know not all the parents would have the same positive perspective and were about to embark on lessons to be learned.

Nueva School was attempting to bridge the gap between stereo typical concepts teenagers portray of technology use for the sole purpose of entertainment and enlighten them to the benefits that technology offers in gathering information. They loaned students laptops to take home to aid in expand their learning capabilities but some parents felt invaded. They encountered problems with the laptops in school because students soon began to use iChat inappropriately and interrupted class time.

Some parents felt totally against the idea that the school would expose their children to the world of communication without their consent and believed it was a distraction. They felt the school had crossed the line from education in the classroom to personal family time at home and created uproar of protest. Other parents felt strongly in favor of the laptops. They had children that weren’t popular or shy and saw this as an opportunity for their children to get to know other students without feelings of insecurity breaking the barriers of established cliques. They believed it was a great experience for their children to also learn more technological methods that they couldn’t offer and expand their knowledge towards a global viewpoint.

This controversy led the school to advance their concepts which incorporated committees to create workshops for the parents and students and seek out professional help through an organization called Common Sense Media. The parents felt involved and became more knowledgeable and the students learned to curtail improper use and benefit from training in technology. The students learned how to benefit the community with the use of technology. This please the faculty because their goal was that the students would benefit from the value technology had to offer. The final outcome was that the faculty learned a valuable lesson. They realized in order to have any new concept accepted teachers, parents and kids all have to be on the same page and the goal is to better the community.

Question #1: One question I would like to ask is why didn’t the school first send home permission slips before allowing the students to partake in the lap top use especially at home? Answer: The goal in this exercise was initiated to develop independence in the judgment of each student. The process of using the hand held computers was assigned as an introduction to an honor system of accountability. The students were asked if they felt they could handle them professionally and treat with respect. They also were asked if they felt their families would appreciate the idea but unfortunately they were unaware of the outcome and didn’t have the skill they needed to respect them.

Question #2: Do I think it is a good idea to loan hand held computers to junior high students? I don’t think it is a good idea. I am surprised that there was a non profit group that was available to help them out and work with the parents as well. I only see this possibly working if the school is private or the public school is in a wealthy neighborhood that can afford to purchase these for their kids. I do think using technology is vital for young adults and children to expose them to educational material but I think their should be a block on adult websites.

Journal #3 NETS 1, 2, 3 and 5

Journal #3  Using Podcasts to develop a Global Perspective

Maguth, M., & Elliot, J. (2010,, February,). Using Podcasts to develop a global perspective. Learning and Leading with Technology, 5, Retrieved from http://www.iste.org

A school in Columbus Ohio that specializes in science, technology and math introduced the use of Podcasts to students in hopes of educating them on global topics by way of expanding their media production knowledge. They were assigned the execution of in depth topics regarding worldwide cultures and diverse perspectives. Students were trained to research particular subjects and organize a debate that depicted actual discussions and opinions from certified experts.

Students took on the challenge of learning Podcast software and investigated what they would need to know to create a believable debate. They planned, researched and learned to edit a broadcast that they developed to imitate an actual debate that took place on a global perspective. They planned to create effective scripts and recorded debates. They wanted to impress their peers and professors while staying true to the facts so they approached the material in a professional manner. They planned to connect to a global market as they would eventually share their valuable unbiased information on their school web page for all to see. They began informing themselves of different opinions and sought out expertise data that they could understand and learn from. They learned two important things from this project; one was how to tap into topics of global concern and view perspectives from different angles.

The use of Podcasts was an illuminating experience because it allowed the use of broadcasting information in an easy to learn format. They were able to gain knowledge that they could use in their futures as a professional and taught them respect of information and issues abounding throughout the world. Through this experience they grew intellectually along with academically and as they kept an open attitude to varied viewpoints they also learned to expand their own viewpoints.

Question #1: How did they investigate the use of Podcasts? In today’s technologically advanced society, even kids know about the latest hardware for their ipods and video games. It was also picked up and advertised by the Mac industry so all the computer geeks hopped on it like bees on honeycomb.

Question #2: Why did the students choose this particular group of professionals to portray their debate over? They chose this group because they signified a well rounded and expertise group discussing global issues that are hot topics in today’s culture. They wanted a panel to represent different subjects and that would be well versed. The students learned much more from these experts than 

Carol Ann's Newsletter NETS 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5

I think creating a newsletter for a classroom fulfills all of the NETS required standards because in it teachers are communicating vital information about what is going on in school and with the students to their parents on a regular basis.

Newsletter Me Use

Intro letter

Hi bloggers, my name is Carol Ann and I was born in this beautiful state of California! I love this state and get irritated when people knock it since most of the time they are from some place else. Anyway, I grew up by the beach in Hermosa, Newport and Huntington so you can say I was a beach girl. I went to three high schools and after graduation attended Cosmetology school in Oceanside to become a hair stylist. After I got pregnant and couldn’t reach my clients in my 8th month I had to quit and never went back to hair again. When I first went to college after my third child, I was still in my twenties and went to Palomar studying Interior Design. I worked in that field for 7 years and furniture sales. It was a real bummer to have to work weekends!! I then went back to school again and got an AA degree in Electronic Publishing, which was super fun since I am creative. I worked in that field for 5 years and was laid off. I tried to do independent contract graphics work but the work was not steady so I went to school once again. These events brought me to where I am now pursuing a career in teaching. I just hope I get a job right away and can then continue working towards my Masters degree and make some descent money for the first time in my life. I need a new car really bad and I desperately need to fix up my house.

My experience in technology is limited to my graphics work with Adobe. I learned briefly how to compose a web site using Dreamweaver but would like to further my experience. I am relatively good with Adobe software but have never gained Microsoft expertise. I used a Mac in school 12 years ago while attaining my certification in Electronic Publishing and still own my dinosaur Mac but now use a PC exclusively. I am not using Microsoft Office 07 yet so my Word documents and knowledge extend to the 04 series. I have no knowledge in spreadsheets and am still using XP system on my PC. 

The last paragraph of the Mission Statement speaks to me about the focus and dedication that CSUSM has to commitment of student-centered education. They practice and demonstrate diversity, collaboration, professionalism and governance which informs me that I will be receiving the best education for achieving a well rounded and professional career in teaching. I chose Cal State because it is close to my house and has such a good reputation in the field of Education. Another reason was because most of the students at Mira Costa in the Liberal Arts program were going to Cal State and informed me of its qualities.