tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7843790788617897402012-02-16T14:47:58.071-05:00In the midst of all the chaos, my mission is to make sense of the thousands of technological tools that can be used in education. Do you care to join me in the adventure?J. Wilsonnoreply@blogger.comBlogger711100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-784379078861789740.post-506283139058884592010-05-24T18:43:00.001-04:002010-07-22T22:44:45.186-04:00

Here is a link to a slideshow that demonstrates different ways you can incorporate Google apps into your classroom to make it more interactive. Enjoy! http://www.drezac.com/2010/02/its-about-process-streamline-teaching.html

J. Wilsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-784379078861789740.post-2304470738140661992010-05-18T16:37:00.001-04:002010-07-22T22:41:41.781-04:00

I've taken a couple of classes where we are allowed to create video essays rather than writing a traditional paper. At first I thought it was strange but now I love creating them and viewing them. It is so much more interesting than reading a regular essay with black ink on white paper. Then I started wondering...Do other professors allow their students to do the same? Where is the role of video

J. Wilsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-784379078861789740.post-8481322337585352052010-05-10T23:58:00.002-04:002010-07-22T22:34:36.130-04:00

If students are taught in an "analog" classroom (desks with rows) and not provided opportunities for using technology, collaboration, etc. then they will not be prepared for the future. Instead they will be: Unmotivated Uninspired Unprepared Unequipped for future economics, business, technology, communications, science, future jobs which do not exist today, and use technology that does not

J. Wilsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-784379078861789740.post-90284031614500367442010-05-02T23:23:00.002-04:002010-07-22T22:30:22.282-04:00

Characteristics of students of the future: Digital natives Digital learners Collaborators Multi-taskers Visual learner Inquisitive Creators (they like to create new things with technology) Share information with others Active learners Thinkers, Creators, Analyzers, Synthesizers, Evaluators They like to apply knowledge to real world situations Want to be engaged in technology They live in a

J. Wilsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-784379078861789740.post-39206757196466599592010-04-28T14:10:00.005-04:002010-07-22T22:22:55.039-04:00

As educators, we must teach to our students' needs and prepare them to become: global citizens creative active mission-driven eco-friendly energetic visionary knowledge hungry independent-thinker problem-solver experimental innovator inventor investigator dreamer action-oriented inspired inspirational original creative friendly flexible collaborator artistic connected planner visionary

J. Wilsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-784379078861789740.post-2192366660236725722010-04-23T23:03:00.004-04:002010-07-22T22:10:32.665-04:00

J. Wilsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-784379078861789740.post-32130198318300776062010-04-21T16:42:00.001-04:002010-07-22T21:07:52.147-04:00

I just came across an article about education and the technology culture divide.  This is one more reason why we need technology in schools.  Most of today's students and teachers come from different generations and we must bridge the gap between the two cultures.  Today's youth for the most part have been immersed in technology their whole lives.  It is a part of their culture and who they are.

J. Wilsonnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-784379078861789740.post-86516595939851262652010-04-07T10:51:00.004-04:002010-04-08T11:03:09.651-04:00

I found this on Facebook!  This is a great read and all teachers can relate, not just teachers from Florida. http://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=112799892063470&id=1426988874&ref=nf I rise before dawn each day and find myself nestled in my classroom hours before the morning commute is in full swing in downtown Orlando. I scour the web along with countless other resources to create

J. Wilsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-784379078861789740.post-62700856328501865822010-03-24T01:56:00.002-04:002010-07-22T21:18:41.067-04:00

What does it mean to be a citizen of the 21st Century digital world?  What impact does technology have on current and future generations?  How can we adapt to this cultural shift and keep students engaged?  Is incorporating technology even worth it?  Take a look at this outstanding documentary for answers but after viewing it you may find yourself with more questions! http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/

J. Wilsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-784379078861789740.post-15666337376874660852010-03-23T00:24:00.000-04:002010-03-24T01:38:10.446-04:00

It seems like politicians and outside administrators have always tried to maintain control of the education system even though they didn't have an eduation background themselves.  It also seems as if teachers receive little respect.  For example, in NC teachers receive very low pay.  Unless they have a spouse with a higher paying job, they will have trouble making ends meet.  I know I did when I

J. Wilsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-784379078861789740.post-7864825815585039462010-03-21T23:07:00.001-04:002010-03-24T01:18:04.257-04:00

One of the advocates of NCLB finally realized that this whole testing craze is not improving the education system.  I can't believe anybody thought it was a good idea in the first place.  I believe teachers should be held accountable but a one-size-fits-all education and unrealistic expectations is extremely ineffective. http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704869304575109443305343962.

J. Wilsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-784379078861789740.post-4575572343030698192010-03-20T22:58:00.003-04:002010-03-24T01:07:26.056-04:00

I've been studying about the history of instructional design and the history of technology in education. I came across this video about BF Skinner and the teaching machine. It is interesting because he wasn't an "educator" but rather a psychologist. Some of his ideas attack what many eduators value about teaching, especially the human, social aspects of teaching. The Skinner video reminds me

J. Wilsonnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-784379078861789740.post-9432777554040843232010-03-19T17:18:00.000-04:002010-03-24T01:23:44.088-04:00

Someone shared this video with me.  It shows how we should let each child's special strengths and talents shine at school rather than teaching them like homogenous robots with a one-size-fits-all curriculum. It actually made me sad because that's how the education system expects us to treat children at school.  :(

J. Wilsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-784379078861789740.post-29277336638277899122010-03-19T00:38:00.000-04:002010-03-24T01:44:24.348-04:00

I just watched this video about Sixth Sense glasses: http://www.ted.com/talks/pattie_maes_demos_the_sixth_sense.html What a cool concept!  I can't wait to get something like this!  I'm sure all brands would try to make sure they have green lights. It reminds me of SEO (Search Engine Optimization). There are some websites with very high rankings yet when I look at them they are very

J. Wilsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-784379078861789740.post-56453002031627806762010-02-19T15:44:00.000-05:002010-02-19T15:44:40.089-05:00

My own personal definition of educational technology is this: Educational Technology is a modern approach to teaching and learning that utilizes technology to facilitate learning and improve performance. This is done by analyzing, designing, developing, implementing, and evaluating technological processes and resources for learning. Before I would even think about using technology or any other

J. Wilsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-784379078861789740.post-13638191806834079352010-02-13T11:46:00.001-05:002010-03-24T01:52:55.204-04:00

I came across an interesting video from a blog that I just had to share.  One thing from the video that struck a cord with me is how the school system generally instills in students that it is bad to make a mistake and you shouldn't make mistakes. Think about all the famous people who have failed forward! Didn't it tak Thomas Edison over a thousand tries before he invented the incandescent light

J. Wilsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-784379078861789740.post-30824312281473580252010-02-09T21:55:00.003-05:002010-02-19T13:33:52.985-05:00

It appears that many people outside of the education field are looking at educators and students as if they aren’t even humans but rather a product. Unfortunately, the mania of looking at education like a business model is killing education in this country! All the finger pointing and the lack of respect toward teachers is not helping matters either. A while back I read a newspaper article where

J. Wilsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-784379078861789740.post-46417295016309366892010-02-05T18:11:00.004-05:002010-02-19T16:46:05.953-05:00

If we teach today as we taught yesterday, we rob our children of tomorrow. -John Dewey I have been reading about the history of instructional design.  It is very interesting to see all the different fads come and go and how many thought TV and radio and other types of "teaching machines" would revolutionize education.  While I love the idea of implementing technology in the classroom, I have to

J. Wilsonnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-784379078861789740.post-78179644590998806162010-02-01T14:47:00.001-05:002010-02-19T15:09:27.500-05:00

It seems like in the past a new technological tool would come out on the market and enthusiasts would rise up and develop lots of educational uses and reasons for using the tool, then some teachers would complain about using it, then those "naysayers" would be bashed for being stuck in their "old" ways and not adapting to the latest technology, and then the excitement would wane until the next

J. Wilsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-784379078861789740.post-45954381852342551712010-01-30T22:56:00.001-05:002010-07-22T21:05:51.415-04:00

As we all know, technology is opening a lot of doors for students by allowing them to get an education that in the past was not even remotely possible.  While this is definitely a positive step in the right direction, there have also been some controversial viewpoints regarding technology in education.  One of the biggest is that human teachers will become obsolete.  While technology can provide

J. Wilsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-784379078861789740.post-43308378180936659942010-01-20T21:31:00.001-05:002010-03-23T21:38:33.440-04:00

I just came across a website where technologists, futurists, politicians, and musicians get on the digital soapbox and discuss what is currently going with technology what the future will bring. http://playit4ward.msn.com/ 

J. Wilsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-784379078861789740.post-33225063210359858172009-12-09T20:43:00.001-05:002010-03-23T22:23:17.388-04:00

Check out this video with a new program from IBM.  It's about computers that can compete with the human mind and will cut down on the time it will take to find answers to very difficult problems.  Something like this could be useful not only on Jeopardy or other game shows but also in schools and in the work place. It could be used in museums and different places in the city, maybe even on a

J. Wilsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-784379078861789740.post-33721062143729760012009-12-08T19:32:00.001-05:002010-03-24T00:05:57.893-04:00

I remember in elementary school one of my teachers gave us an assignment to write a letter to ourselves at the beginning of the school year.  She kept them the whole year and gave them to us at the end of the year.  It was amazing how much my classmates and I had learned and grown so much over the school year.  Now there is a website where you can write yourself an email and enter the delivery

J. Wilsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-784379078861789740.post-66995703270304641302009-11-23T21:23:00.001-05:002010-03-23T23:08:16.974-04:00

Are you as addicted to Twitter as I am?  Well, if you love Twitter and other social networking sites you may also be interested in a new Web 2.0 tool called FourSquare.  It could very well be tech's new poster boy for 2010!  What is it exactly?  Well, it allows users to share their location with a group of friends.  It's also a virtual game where users can earn badges at various locations such as

J. Wilsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-784379078861789740.post-39771269844770671182009-11-14T16:30:00.001-05:002010-03-23T23:50:44.591-04:00

Last summer I first heard about Google Wave.  Well, the time has finally come.  It is now available in its beta version!  Woo hoo!  I just signed up and I can't wait to use it.  If you have not signed up for Google Wave then you have got to check it out!  Google Wave could totally revolutionize email because it allows for communication and collaboration in real time.   You can send emails,

J. Wilsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-784379078861789740.post-67800933634138595672009-11-13T12:55:00.000-05:002010-03-23T23:13:13.040-04:00

I was searching youtube for videos on augmented reality and I came across this one with information on a neat program you can use on your desktop in conjunction with google earth. You can view 3D images of many places around the world such as the Eiffel Tower, the Coliseum, etc. If you can't go out and see the world you can bring the world to you!   This could be used in the classroom while

J. Wilsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-784379078861789740.post-77919227424632429212009-11-05T23:16:00.001-05:002010-03-23T23:24:59.092-04:00

Here is a book that combines augmented reality with a traditional book format.  http://alien.t-immersion.com/  For more information about augmented reality check out the main website.  It contains information and video links.  http://www.t-immersion.com/ 

J. Wilsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-784379078861789740.post-72496011028950370512009-10-16T14:51:00.006-04:002010-02-09T23:19:37.752-05:00

Lately I have been reading a book called Natural-Born Cyborgs: Minds, Technologies, and the Future of Human Intelligence by Andy Clark.  I've only read the first two chapters but it really is making me reflect on humans and machines and how technology is affecting us.  Clark believes that our merging with objects, devices, and processors is part of our biological makeup and that the smarter the

J. Wilsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-784379078861789740.post-28975218667497045522009-10-12T23:08:00.000-04:002010-02-09T23:54:23.006-05:00

With all of the new technology our youth have at their disposal, they are capable of organizing, communicating, and behaving in ways that we would never have imagined.  People today can organize rallies and protests more efficiently and effectively than ever.  Take the following video for instance: http://www.freetech4teachers.com/2009/10/school-administrators-never-saw-it.html.  This

J. Wilsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-784379078861789740.post-30542255329920653102009-10-11T21:17:00.003-04:002010-02-09T23:40:32.122-05:00

"What is reality? Is it what you can see, hear, touch? If so, then 'reality' is no more than electrical signals to your brain." - Morpheus One of my all time favorite movies is The Matrix.  Yesterday I was watching it on TV and it really made me start to think about life and what we perceive as reality, especially since I have been reading a book about cyborgs.  So how do we know what is real

J. Wilsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-784379078861789740.post-48159379720262516552009-09-24T21:23:00.012-04:002010-02-09T23:18:12.649-05:00

Just about every teacher has heard of the different types of multiple intelligences and "smarts" that humans possess.  Well today I just heard about another type of intelligence called "fluid" intelligence.  Fluid intellience is unique because it looks nothing like traditional types of brainpower such as memorizing and recalling facts.  Fluid Intelligence (as opposed to being fixed or set) 

J. Wilsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-784379078861789740.post-40054445276627967342009-09-19T20:02:00.001-04:002010-02-09T23:09:40.962-05:00

I think cell phones could be promising in the future of education.  First of all , they are inexpensive and ubiquitous. Schools may not always be able to afford a computer for every student however they could afford a phone. Mobile phones have the same capabilities of a PC and they are portable. Students carry them with them everywhere they go and they rely on them. I carry mine with me

J. Wilsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-784379078861789740.post-50920669514223050422009-09-19T17:36:00.012-04:002010-02-09T23:16:18.170-05:00

I was sitting here reminiscing on how much technology has impacted my life.  I realize it has profoundly affected the way I do things every single day.  When I am driving I no longer pull over to the side of the road and take a look at my road map. I just turn on my GPS and it tells me where to go. I don't even pay as much attention to where I am going because I know my GPS will show me the way.

J. Wilsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-784379078861789740.post-64740913810601297372009-09-19T17:10:00.003-04:002010-03-24T00:13:12.516-04:00

Here is a neat video on Cyborgs, Education, and Learning.  It does a great job explaining the idea of collective consciousness and how it relates to education. In addition, here are some more videos on life as a cyborg by Kevin Warwick.  And here are some videos from the Beyond Human Series:

J. Wilsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-784379078861789740.post-88261253706114319052009-09-16T18:02:00.001-04:002010-03-24T00:16:20.076-04:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZjeJZEpegac Learning Spaces in the Creative Age

J. Wilsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-784379078861789740.post-34971358215265228742009-09-15T13:57:00.028-04:002010-03-24T00:26:50.288-04:00

Once you have planned and created your Learning Space, it is time to open the virtual classroom door to your students.  Once they arrive, you have to be sure to keep them there since online learning can make a student feel very isolated unless you employee specific strategies to prevent this from ocurring.  Creating Community It is important for students to gain a feeling of belonging in a

J. Wilsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-784379078861789740.post-47999552949229663062009-09-13T19:24:00.034-04:002010-07-22T21:33:46.906-04:00

Kurzweil Videos http://www.ted.com/index.php/talks/ray_kurzweil_on_how_technology_will_transform_us.html http://www.ted.com/talks/ray_kurzweil_announces_singularity_university.html http://www.ted.com/talks/ray_kurzweil_announces_singularity_university.html Wow!  I would love to meet Kurzweil!  He definitely has some fascinating ideas.  While I knew technology was advancing at a fast pace, I

J. Wilsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-784379078861789740.post-2470046723873729972009-09-12T15:55:00.015-04:002010-03-24T00:31:03.409-04:00

Attractive Learning Spaces Now that we know what type of activities, content, and spaces we will include in our learning space, we need to plan it out so it is aesthetically pleasing and organized. After all, aesthetically pleasing Learning Spaces can enhance the learning experience by attracting people, sparking creativity, and increasing engagement since. Why? Because they are visually

J. Wilsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-784379078861789740.post-20639396686923042682009-09-09T13:54:00.021-04:002010-03-24T00:35:43.611-04:00

Active Learning and Participation When designing a learning space, plan for active learning by eliciting student participation, focusing on higher order thinking skills, and engaging in meaningful learning activities so that students learn new ideas and concepts. Because most people learn better by doing rather than by passively listening to a lecture, create a learning space with opportunities

J. Wilsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-784379078861789740.post-73628344262663319402009-09-08T13:47:00.006-04:002010-03-24T00:37:08.426-04:00

When designing an online learning space, it is imperative that you design with your students in mind. In order to do that, you must ask yourself: “Who are my students?” “What are my learning goals and objectives?” “How can I best help them learn?” Engage Students Create online learning spaces that are warm, open, friendly, and that promote learning, creation, and collaboration. Design a place

J. Wilsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-784379078861789740.post-33587620425696897112009-09-06T01:43:00.003-04:002010-03-24T00:37:49.743-04:00

Top 8 Characteristics of Effective Online Learning Spaces: Active learning space Instructor as a facilitator Use a variety of technology applications Address different learning styles Make the course a community space The course environment should invite informal learning from the students Have other instructors teach a portion of the course or give "guest" lectures Make the learning

J. Wilsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-784379078861789740.post-73766926364353803672009-09-04T22:32:00.021-04:002010-03-24T00:44:07.947-04:00

Elluminate is a real-time virtual classroom environment designed specifically for educators. The moderator-led environment provides a platform for lectures and debates to small group discussions and presentations. It operates as a fully functional classroom with its interactive whiteboard. One of the nice features about Elluminate is that the communications framework ensures that all users are in

J. Wilsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-784379078861789740.post-22548449715587046342009-08-03T00:56:00.001-04:002010-03-24T00:46:44.361-04:00

http://www.slideshare.net/stevenw/virtual-spaces-second-lives-what-are-the-potential-educational-benefits-of-muves-presentation Sloodle Creating a learning environment in Second Life or any MUVE (multi-user virtual environment) is an active learning experience. Students can interact in real-time and have diverse experiences. If you would like to create a course in Second Life, there is a new

J. Wilsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-784379078861789740.post-91887250046395717602009-07-29T19:59:00.065-04:002010-02-04T03:54:28.386-05:00

I just found out about a new screencast tool called Screenjelly.  What is Screenjelly you ask?  It is a free, web-based screen recorder that quickly captures your computer's video and audio so you can share it with others online via Twitter, Facebook, email, etc.  It runs in your browser so there is nothing to download.  Screenjelly accounts are based on Twitter accounts so if you want to use it

J. Wilsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-784379078861789740.post-2327158866633274022009-07-27T19:45:00.029-04:002010-02-02T00:22:48.095-05:00

What is Skype? Skype is a 21st Century Communication tool which tangibly expands the walls of traditional education by allowing students and teachers to connect with people all over the world through synchronous, real-time discussions. Skype provides opportunities for collaboration and communication through text chats, audio chats, video conferences, group conversations and instant file sharing

J. Wilsonnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-784379078861789740.post-66626723054440895892009-07-24T00:25:00.001-04:002010-02-02T00:36:52.294-05:00

Using Skype in the Classroom Awesome Ways to Use Skype in the Classroom - If you would like to use Skype in education, then this website is a must-read! This article contains 50 ways to use Skype in the classroom. They truly are awesome! Global Voices - This site contains examples of successful interactive podcasting and VOIP exchange projects. How to Use Skype in the Classroom - This is an

J. Wilsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-784379078861789740.post-28255023061191226772009-07-22T18:49:00.003-04:002010-02-02T00:43:19.694-05:00

Create online learning spaces that are warm, open, friendly and that promote learning, creation, and collaboration. Engage students in active learning. Design your courses so you aren’t seen as the information provider but rather a facilitator. Instead of having students regurgitate information they will engage in higher order thinking skills. Focus will be on learning new ideas and concepts.

J. Wilsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-784379078861789740.post-86850107684472142992009-07-13T20:07:00.027-04:002010-03-24T00:46:10.763-04:00

Second Life is a 3D virtual world which is owned and created by the users and is free to download. It was made public in 2003 by Linden Labs. Each member of Second Life creates an avatar, which is a virtual persona. Residents can also buy and sell property and build on the land. Colleges and Universities can actually buy private islands and build virtual campuses for their students. Generally the

J. Wilsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-784379078861789740.post-44137903522499547682009-07-01T23:44:00.000-04:002010-02-01T23:44:57.468-05:00

This is one of my all time favorite technology videos.  It makes me laugh everytime I watch it but isn't this how we act sometimes when we are introduced to new technology?  Enjoy!

J. Wilsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-784379078861789740.post-61535730302935920612009-06-26T15:23:00.008-04:002009-06-26T15:55:37.536-04:00

I discovered a photo sharing site called 5000 Free Stock Photos. You can for more resources here It contains free photos that you can use, even for commercial use. Since I'm not a professional photographer, artist, or musician I would just let my work be part of the public domain. I have lots of pictures that I have uploaded to different sites such as MySpace, Facebook, Flickr, Slide,

J. Wilsonnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-784379078861789740.post-40193777098012241082009-06-26T14:40:00.007-04:002010-02-01T23:37:11.202-05:00

Wikipedia Quotes I have always loved reading different kinds of quotes and finding ones that applied to my life. So once I found Wikipedia Quotes, I was thrilled. It contains quotes in different languages, countries, and from lots of different sources such as: People Literary Works Films TV Shows Quotes are also categorized by theme. When you enter the homepage there is a quote of the day.

J. Wilsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-784379078861789740.post-12993438712612296242009-06-26T12:34:00.007-04:002010-02-01T23:36:44.683-05:00

I just updated my Wikipedia profile and included: 1. Bold text 2. Italic text 3. Internal links 4. External links 5. Level One section header 6. Level two section header 7. Bulleted list 8. Numbered list 9. Image 10. Horizontal Line I also included external links to some of my other online profiles. Overall it was an easy process. The hardest part was figuring out how to upload a photo but

J. Wilsonnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-784379078861789740.post-42272163613125431062009-06-25T22:14:00.007-04:002010-02-01T23:36:02.912-05:00

ISTE Island Educator Social WhenThu, June 25, 6pm – 7pm WhereISTE Island: http://www.slurl.com/secondlife/ISTE%20Island/90/80/30 DescriptionEvery Thursday at 6 PM SLT (that's US pacific time), we host a social event for educators to meet and network. For further information see http://secondlife.iste.wikispaces.net/events I attended a SLED event on Thursday, June 25th from 9-10pm Eastern Time.

J. Wilsonnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-784379078861789740.post-68016064865846741002009-06-24T19:13:00.005-04:002010-02-01T23:35:27.343-05:00

Here is a link to my edit history on Wikiversity. Here is my Wikiversity profile. The Web 2.0 "course" on Wikiversity gives a general overview of Web 2.0. In order for it to be a full-fledged course, it should have many components. First of all it should be organized into modules. The first module would be the overview. After that, each module would focus on a different tool or concept and

J. Wilsonnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-784379078861789740.post-51358795580010690532009-06-22T09:22:00.005-04:002010-02-01T23:07:35.718-05:00

One thing that has recently caught my attention was a Computerworld article I read about using social networking for job hunting. I had read in the Charlotte Observer where some people landed a job through their tweets on Twitter.  I even came across a website called TweetMyJobs which connects job candidates and recruiters.  I'm sure most people view social networking as something fun where you

J. Wilsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-784379078861789740.post-15374558895106237522009-06-22T08:04:00.007-04:002010-02-01T22:42:51.700-05:00

As I was thinking about a Capstone project I have to do for a class, I was thinking really hard about how I can incorporate so many Web 2.0 tools into it and link them all together. With that thinking and planning I had an a-ha moment. For example, I could use Wordle in a different way. I could upload some text/paragraph about a topic and have students guess what it is about. Or with Twitter, it

J. Wilsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-784379078861789740.post-78141490455490529682009-06-20T20:48:00.011-04:002010-02-01T22:33:02.742-05:00

Audiofarm, an audio sharing website with music and sounds, was very easy to use. I successfully uploaded links to YouTube and to Flickr but I had to do it by typing in the HTML code. I uploaded three audio files that I created with Audacity, a free voice recording tool. One I created as a supplement to one of the YouTube videos. This is the video. Another audio file that I uploaded is a simple

J. Wilsonnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-784379078861789740.post-25056019656739498702009-06-20T20:08:00.004-04:002010-02-01T22:25:53.216-05:00

My all time favorite video sharing tool is YouTube. I didn’t seem to have too much trouble uploading videos once I started using the correct format. I also noticed it took a while for them to be added once they were uploaded. As far as linking YouTube to the other two sites, I couldn’t figure out how to get active links for Flickr and AudioFarm so if anyone knows let me know. I tried HTML but it

J. Wilsonnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-784379078861789740.post-61013947579506244842009-06-20T19:33:00.011-04:002010-02-01T22:24:05.390-05:00

Flickr Slide Photobucket I have't used Photobucket in a while but I really like it. See below for explanation. I already had accounts for Flickr (a photo sharing site) and Slide (site where you created slide shows) but I updated them and added new content. For Flickr, I added some photos of when I was in Chile. They are of the beach, the desert, and the city. I got carried away and

J. Wilsonnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-784379078861789740.post-1179614396201377362009-06-19T21:08:00.004-04:002010-02-01T22:17:09.275-05:00

I just added three entries to Wiktionary which was a somewhat frustrating experience. First of all I some of the words I wanted to edit were not in there. I am thinking I should add more words and definitions to it but what is the point when you have a regular dictionary online? I guess the point is knowing that I am contributing to the web and it may help somebody. And besides, it will be cool

J. Wilsonnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-784379078861789740.post-55644260786110432132009-06-19T16:21:00.006-04:002010-02-01T22:15:18.367-05:00

I am totally amazed at the popularity of YouTube and how so many people use it and rely on it. No one in a million years would ever have imagined that in 2005 when YouTube was first launched. What really blew me away is that Wesch’s video took the #1 spot, even over all the Super Bowl commercials. That is HUGE! It cracks me up when an Anthropologist in Kansas or a teenager from NJ can create a

J. Wilsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-784379078861789740.post-79981382182125300132009-06-13T19:15:00.004-04:002010-02-01T22:12:57.217-05:00

I edited my first Wikipedia article today. It was quite interesting. I didn't read any of the introduction information for first time users. I just dove right in and started editing. It was easy until I decided to edit some of the links. I noticed that a couple links were incorrect so I typed in the correct url and it automatically reverted back to what it was because it thought what I was typing

J. Wilsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-784379078861789740.post-77422295964546368352009-06-13T16:28:00.004-04:002009-06-20T16:07:19.264-04:00

I recently came across a blog from Suffern Middle School about how they incorporate Second Life in the classroom. No matter what level you teach, you will gain a lot of valuable information here from how submit a proposal to implementing Second Life activities. This is an absolute must-read for anyone who is contemplating using Second Life in the classroom.Suffern Middle School in Second Life Blog

J. Wilsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-784379078861789740.post-90039068134768093172009-06-13T16:15:00.003-04:002009-06-20T16:06:25.344-04:00

I found some really SL video tutorials by Torley Linden on YouTube. They are helpful and really funny too.Moving and FlyingTeleporting and LandmarksEditing Your AppearanceChattingLooking Around With Camera ControlsUsing the Pie MenuSearchingHe has other videos on his YouTube channel (193 to be exact) that you can check out here.

J. Wilsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-784379078861789740.post-56603586245468318822009-06-13T00:12:00.009-04:002010-02-01T22:09:14.707-05:00

The internet - what is in and what is out?Click on the following chart to find out...

J. Wilsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-784379078861789740.post-13268686513833011362009-06-10T14:34:00.002-04:002010-02-01T22:08:46.120-05:00

OK, I know that is a cheesy name but during my first semester I created a website for the final project and my intentions have been to continually update it and complete it over time but I am always so busy that I don't have the time. In any case, I will definitely work on it more and improve it convert it from a boring, drab Web 1.0 site to a dazzling Web 2.0 creation! For those of you who care

J. Wilsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-784379078861789740.post-25732922848009605632009-06-09T23:16:00.003-04:002010-02-01T22:06:45.204-05:00

I just started using twitter. If you want to follow my tweets you can sign up to follow me here. My twitter name is modern_diva because I see myself as well...a modern diva! lol Twitter website My twitter profile Even though I have been dabbling with twitter, I don't see the point of using it. So basically all you do is post what you are up to or what you are thinking. I started looking for

J. Wilsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-784379078861789740.post-36532248105426785762009-06-09T21:52:00.007-04:002010-02-01T22:02:05.858-05:00

Second Life Virtual worlds such as Second Life are great places for students to collaborate, role-play, do simulations, explore other lands, and encounter new social situations as it pertains to Web 2.0. In an online class students often feel isolated from their peers. Even when talking on Skype (unless you utilize the video feature) or chatting with Moodle, it has a somewhat blah feel. However,

J. Wilsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-784379078861789740.post-37930450537649315172009-06-08T21:45:00.002-04:002009-06-20T16:02:34.349-04:00

Technology impacts learners of a foreign language because they can travel to a foreign country and become immersed in a foreign language without ever having to leave home. For example, in Second Life they can go to Mexico and explore the land. Or you could set up your own community and have students communicate in real life settings. When I was teaching I enjoyed setting up simulations in my own

J. Wilsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-784379078861789740.post-65160695922193084572009-06-07T13:06:00.006-04:002010-02-01T21:52:16.225-05:00

I am learning about different Web 2.0 applications. Some I have used before such as Facebook, MySpace, Second Life (just dabbled with it), Twitter (again, just dabbled), Photobucket, Flickr, Slide, YouTube (never uploaded a video before), Skype and other instant messengers, Moodle, wikis, blogs, and a few others.  Now I am on a mission to learn more about Web 2.0 tools. Even though I know HTML

J. Wilsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-784379078861789740.post-53471313673682515492009-06-06T20:59:00.005-04:002010-02-01T21:32:37.095-05:00

Welcome to my Educational Technology blog. I have created it because I am in the New Media and Global Education Master's Program at Appalachian State University. In the program, we are learning about carious types of technology and so I decided to create a blog to share my knowledge, opinions and to reflect on the different tools and technology available. These are my opinions and my opinions

J. Wilsonnoreply@blogger.com0