Module 4 Connectivism

Here is my mind map. I couldn't figure out how to make it larger with out it becoming blury. Here is the link to see it better!

http://mywebspiration.com/publish.php?i=490599a258c4

Networking has influenced the way in which students learn by adding resources to the classroom. Students can take virtual field trips to famous land marks such as the Great Wall of China or the Egyptian Pyramids. Without the internet and abundance of classroom computers, students could not do this in the past. Students can learn and review material in new ways. A student can create a wiki to demonstrate their understanding of a concept. The wiki can be a group project where students collaborate with another class in a different state.
I often find that students become board faster with standard notes and lecture. With technology growing, students seem to be more focused on the high pace life. As teachers, I feel that we have to keep up with that. I am constantly trying to find new ways to teach a concept that goes beyond paper and pencil.

I have a smart board in my classroom; and I absolutely love it. I think it is the most valuable technology tool I have. I use it for notes, power points, videos, student work, and more. The students love to work problems out on it; I often use that as a reward for great work. The smart board encompasses so much into one item. Smart Technologies also has an abundance of tools, lessons, and resources available to enhance the smart board. I have become very reliant on mine!

In working on this degree in technology, I have been introduced to many new technology resources. I was not familiar with wiki’s or skype. I had heard of a Blog, but I had never used on before. When I had to complete assignments using these tools, I went to Google and researched how to use them. I found tutorials on what to do and how to do it. When the Smartboard was installed in my classroom, I had no idea how to use it. My students were the ones who showed me the basics until we had a training session.

I responded to Evonie http://evonie-rash.blogspot.com/ and Kiana http://kobysmomsblog.blogspot.com/

Module 3

I think some people are meant to work in a group and others are not. My gifted students are a prime example of introverted students who lack social skills. Many of them are content working by themselves and become anxious when they have to interact with others. For the most part, I feel that people are drawn to work together; I think it is mostly due to the socialization aspect with middle school students. Most of the time, they feed off of interaction and acceptance from their peers. I tend to see that when students are unsure of how to work out a math problem they turn to a peer. Also, when students are completing a project they want positive reinforcement and help from other students. I my experience, students prefer to work together.

I agree that Wikipedia is essentially an online wealth of information; however, some of the information is not accurate. Anyone can post a response on a topic or definition. Regardless of the validity, the post says until someone disputes it. The uneducated person can simply put an opinion on what they think the definition or explanation of a topic is. I am not sold on Wikipedia. I use it occasionally, but I try to back it with credible sources.

I think technology can help people across the globe work together and interact. Students who are studying Egypt can go on a virtual field trip and explore the pyramids. From this exploration, they can formulate their own understanding of the pyramids. Also, students can have video chats with other classrooms that are on the other side of the country or the globe. The internet and technology that now comes with it broadens the horizons of our children.

http://nlvm.usu.edu/en/nav/vlibrary.html
The virtual world of manipulatives is a great online tool for students to play with popular math manipulatives. As classrooms grow, teachers may not have the resources for students to each have pattern blocks, algebra tiles, or tan grams, but with the internet, students can have access to them at any time.

I responded to Kiana http://kobysmomsblog.blogspot.com/
and Ashley Bridges http://bridgesa.blogspot.com/2010/07/module-3-collaboration.html